Securing your email and video game accounts may not seem important at first, but it can be vital even if you don't have anything of value on those accounts..
A compromised Xbox account password can lead to more hacked accounts on other sites if you use the same password and email address on all of them. If you are not a fan of having a different password for each site you frequent often, then you will need to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to make sure that no one is accessing your account without your knowledge. .
Whenever you want to connect to a new device, the 2FA connection system will ask for confirmation by entering a code on your phone. Most apps and Xbox do this by texting or allowing you to generate a unique code on a separate app on your phone. Enabling 2FA on all platforms will allow you to secure your accounts even if they are hacked, which can go a long way in recovering an account without going through the complicated steps that are often required..
Here's how to enable two-factor authentication on your Xbox account.
Screengrab via Microsoft Screengrab via Microsoft Screengrab via Microsoft Screengrab via Microsoft - Go to Xbox.com and sign in to your account in the top right corner.
- Once your information is filled in, you should be redirected to the main page. You will need to click on your profile picture, also located in the top right corner.
- Click on "My Microsoft Account".
- In your account options, you will need to access the security tab.
- As a precaution, you will also have to enter your password again.
- Click on "Advanced Security Options" to reveal all the additional features possible to secure your account.
- As you showcase the advanced security options, you'll notice when your password was last updated and whether or not two-factor authentication is enabled.
- Clicking on "Manage" under two-factor authentication will start the 2FA activation process, and it should take about 2 minutes to complete.
- You will need to enter a phone number that you can access to verify your identity.