Does Uber accept an authenticator in the browser?

Yes. Uber’s help says all third-party authenticator apps are supported and lists browser extensions among the ways to run one; it recommends Duo and Google Authenticator as examples. The Authenticator extension generates the same six-digit codes in Chrome.

Is a security app better than Uber’s text messages?

For most people, yes. Uber notes that text messages may not arrive when you travel, have no signal or have opted out of its texts. A security app makes the code on your own device and works offline.

What if I lose access to my authenticator?

Sign in with one of your backup codes, then set the authenticator up again on the Security tab. If the backup codes are used up or lost, contact Uber support — and keep the extension’s automatic backups on so a reinstall does not cost you the codes.

Why does Uber say my code is wrong?

Usually the computer clock is off by a minute or more. Turn on automatic date and time and try the next code. If it still fails, the account may have been added from an old QR code — remove it from the extension and set the authenticator up again.

Uber Authenticator App — Turn On 2-Step Verification

An Uber account holds your payment methods, your saved places and your trip history, and the same account orders on Uber Eats — a stolen password is enough to ride or order on your card. With 2-step verification on, Uber sets two security challenges at every sign-in. Uber points out that security apps work offline, which makes them the better choice if you travel or ride from devices other than your phone.

Turn on 2-step verification at Uber

Uber also offers codes by text message; with an authenticator app no phone number has to be attached for them. On some accounts the authenticator sits inside “2-step verification” rather than as its own item on the Security tab — choose the security app there. In the Uber app the same page is Account → Manage Uber account → Security.

Sign in at account.uber.com on your computer.
Open the “Security” tab.
Select “Authenticator app” — or “2-step verification”, then the security app option.
Follow the steps on the “Authentication instructions” page. When Uber shows a QR code, leave it on the screen and add it to the extension as described below.
Enter the six-digit code from the extension and select “Next” to finish.

Uber’s own instructions

Add Uber to Authenticator

Install 2FA Authenticator from the Chrome Web Store and pin it to the toolbar, so its icon is one click away.
Leave the Uber page with the QR code open. Click the Authenticator icon, then “Add Account” → “QR Code” → “Scan QR from screen”.
The account appears in the list with a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Rename it if you like — the name is only for you.
Go back to Uber and type the current code into the confirmation field. If it is about to expire, wait for the next one.
Uber confirms that two-factor authentication is on. From now on it will ask for a code when you sign in — click the extension icon and copy it.

No QR code, or it will not scan? Look for the option to enter a key manually on Uber’s setup screen, copy the key, and add it in the extension with “Add Account” → “Manual” → “Secret Key”.

Get 2FA Authenticator for Chrome — free

Save your Uber backup codes

Uber gives you backup codes for 2-step verification and asks you to save them somewhere safe once it is set up — keep them away from this computer. Each code works once: on the verification screen choose an alternative method of verification, then “Use backup code”. If you use them all and cannot sign in to get new ones, Uber’s support team can help.

The code is not accepted?

Almost always the computer’s clock. The codes are calculated from the current time, so a clock that is a minute off produces codes that look right and are refused. Turn on automatic date and time in your system settings — step-by-step for Windows, macOS and Linux.

If the clock is right, check the key itself: paste it into the TOTP code generator and compare the code with the one in the extension. If they differ, the key was copied wrong — add the account again.

Questions

Does Uber accept an authenticator in the browser?: Yes. Uber’s help says all third-party authenticator apps are supported and lists browser extensions among the ways to run one; it recommends Duo and Google Authenticator as examples. The Authenticator extension generates the same six-digit codes in Chrome.
Is a security app better than Uber’s text messages?: For most people, yes. Uber notes that text messages may not arrive when you travel, have no signal or have opted out of its texts. A security app makes the code on your own device and works offline.
What if I lose access to my authenticator?: Sign in with one of your backup codes, then set the authenticator up again on the Security tab. If the backup codes are used up or lost, contact Uber support — and keep the extension’s automatic backups on so a reinstall does not cost you the codes.
Why does Uber say my code is wrong?: Usually the computer clock is off by a minute or more. Turn on automatic date and time and try the next code. If it still fails, the account may have been added from an old QR code — remove it from the extension and set the authenticator up again.

Your codes, one click from the login page

Authenticator keeps your 2FA codes in the browser, on your device only — free to use, open source, no account and no phone needed. Local backups and optional password protection come built in.