How to Securely Store 2FA Backup Codes for Gaming Launchers

When you like playing games, you most likely open an application like Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect, or Battle.net. These apps often use two-factor authentication, or 2FA, for extra safety. 2FA means you need more than just a password to log in, like a code from your phone. But loss of phone or the code app? That’s when backup codes help. The codes allow you to access your account when you are in a situation of dire need. The key here is how to store 2FA backup codes safely. If you don’t do it right, bad guys could find them and take your account.

Think about losing all your game saves, bought stuff, or even your whole game collection because someone got your codes. It’s scary for gamers. Backup codes are usually 8 to 10 unique mixes of numbers and letters. Apps like Google Authenticator also let you save Google Authenticator backup codes, which might link to your gaming accounts if you use them for 2FA.

Gaming apps are big targets for hackers since they have valuable info, like payment details and rare game items. Good gaming 2FA recovery codes storage means you can fix your account fast without losing stuff. Lots of gamers skip this, thinking their phone is enough. But phones can break, get stolen, or die when you need them most. In that case, it is necessary to find the most appropriate method of storing backup codes.

Note: FastestPass Password Manager stores passwords and auto-fill, along with 2FA backup codes, which are encrypted and synchronized across various devices for gamers and users.

Reasons You Should Store 2FA Backup Codes In a Secure Place

2FA adds a second step after your password. But if you can’t get the code, you’re stuck. Backup codes are your backup plan.

Storing them safely is key because if someone finds them, they can skip 2FA. Your password might be strong, but if codes are in a plain file on your computer, anyone can use them. For gaming, this could mean losing money on games or having your account sold online.

A common thing is using Google Authenticator for 2FA on gaming sites. You should save Google Authenticator backup codes right when you set it up. These codes come once and can’t be gotten back if lost. Same for apps like Authy or Microsoft Authenticator, used by some gaming apps.

Gaming 2FA recovery codes storage isn’t just hiding them; it’s making sure only you can get them. If you store them badly, like in an email, a hacker in your email gets it all. Emails are often weak spots. Use ways that lock your data and require more checks.

Facts show accounts with 2FA are way less likely to get hacked, but only if backup codes are done right. In gaming groups, like on Reddit, people share stories of losing accounts because codes were in unsafe apps. Learn from that to avoid issues.

The best way to store backup codes mixes safety and ease. You want them safe but not lost. We’ll look at options like paper storage, digital locks, and more next.

Mistakes When Storing 2FA Backup Codes

Many gamers make easy errors that risk their accounts. 

• One is printing codes and leaving them in a drawer with no lock. The paper is good, but if someone gets into your house, they find it. Always use a locked box or hide well.
• Another is saving codes in phone notes without a lock. Phones get lost or stolen a lot. If notes aren’t locked, anyone can read them. For Google Authenticator, not saving backup codes right away is bad. The app tells you, but many skip it.
• Putting all codes in one spot is risky. If you lose that spot, you lose access to many accounts. Use different ways for better safety.
• Emailing codes to yourself is easy but unsafe. Emails get hacked, and searches show them. Use special tools for gaming 2FA recovery codes storage instead.
• Sharing codes with friends or family “just in case” is wrong. Even good people might leak them by mistake. Keep them to yourself.

The Best Way to Store Backup Codes

The best way to store backup codes fits what you need. 

• Paper Storage Ways

Use non-wet paper and place it in a fire safe box. Write something uninteresting on the envelope, such as Old Papers, that no one will pay attention to. This is good for gamers who like no-tech options. To save Google Authenticator backup codes, print them soon after setup.

You can write them in a book hidden at home. Use short forms to hide what they are. This is simple and doesn’t need gadgets.

• Digital Storage Ways

For tech fans, digital is better. Use locked USB sticks. Put codes in a file, lock it with free tools like VeraCrypt, and keep the USB safe. This mixes paper and digital safety.

Cloud spots like Google Drive can work if you lock files first. Use apps like Cryptomator for extra locks. Never put plain files up.

• Password Managers: The Top Pick

The best way to store backup codes is in a password manager. They lock with strong codes and need a main password.

FastestPass Password Manager is a top choice for this. FastestPass Password Manager lets you sort your gaming 2FA recovery codes storage in a special area. It helps with auto-fill for logins and keeps all locked. Make a spot just for backup codes, and get them from any device with your key.

Bitwarden is free and open, great for gamers on a budget. Make a safe note for each app, and put the codes there. Add 2FA to the manager for more safety.

1Password has plans for families if you share gadgets. It has “safe notes” perfect for codes.

When using these, turn on fingerprint login for fast use. Back up your manager data often.

• Mixed Ways

Use both for backup. Keep a manager digitally and print as an extra. If one goes wrong, you have the other.

For gaming apps, check their rules. Steam gives 10 codes; store them all. Epic uses recovery codes, too.

Good things about managers: Get from anywhere, locked, and neat. Bad: Forget the main password, you’re out of the store, and that safe too.

In short, the best way to store backup codes is what works for you, with high safety.

How to Securely Store 2FA Backup Codes

Let’s go through how to do this for gaming apps.

• Step 1: Turn on 2FA in your accounts. For Steam, go to Account > Steam Guard. Pick an app or text.
• Step 2: Make backup codes. The setup shows them. Copy now.
• Step 3: Pick your way. If using FastestPass Password Manager, open it and make a new safe note.
• Step 4: Put in the codes. Label like “Steam Codes.” Add date.
• Step 5: Lock if needed. Managers do it, but others use lock tools.
• Step 6: Test it. Log out, use a code to check.
• Step 7: Update often. Use all codes? Make new, store again.

To save Google Authenticator backup codes, get them from app settings and store them in your own way.

Tips for Specific Gaming Launchers

Each app has its own 2FA setup.

• Steam: Uses Steam Guard. Code key for the app. Store 2FA backup codes in the manager to skip trade waits.
• Epic Games: Works with code apps. Codes emailed; save safe.
• Ubisoft Connect: Often Google Authenticator. Focus on gaming 2FA recovery codes storage to avoid locks.
• Battle.net: Needs codes for fix. Use a manager for neat.
• Origin/EA App: Like others, store after turning on.

Check for new safety features always.

FAQs

Final Words!

To sum up, knowing how to store 2FA backup codes safely is smart for gamers. It guards accounts from bad stuff and lets you get back quickly. From managers like FastestPass Password Manager to easy paper ways, choices are simple. 

Don’t forget to save Google Authenticator backup codes fast and store good gaming 2FA recovery codes. The best way to store backup codes is what suits you with strong safety.