How to Change Two-Factor Authentication Phone Number on Nintendo
If you need to update the phone number tied to your Nintendo account security settings, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.
This guide explains how to change two factor authentication phone number on Nintendo, plus what to do if you cannot access your old number.
Why the phone number on a Nintendo account matters
Nintendo accounts can use two-factor authentication through an authenticator app or, in some cases, recovery methods tied to account access.
A phone number may be used for identity verification, account recovery, or security-related contact information depending on how the account was configured and which region or service is involved.
Keeping this information current helps prevent lockouts when you sign in on a new device, make purchases in the Nintendo eShop, or recover your account after a password reset.
It also reduces the risk of losing access if your carrier changes, your SIM is replaced, or your number is reassigned.
Before you start
Before making changes, confirm whether your Nintendo Account uses an authenticator app, SMS-based verification, or another recovery method.
In many cases, Nintendo recommends an authenticator app for two-factor authentication because it is generally more secure than text-message codes.
- Have your Nintendo Account email address and password ready.
- Make sure you can access the current phone number if verification is required.
- If you use an authenticator app, keep the device with the app nearby.
- Use a trusted browser or the official Nintendo website only.
How to change two factor authentication phone number on Nintendo
To update the phone number associated with your Nintendo account security or recovery settings, sign in to your Nintendo Account on the official Nintendo website.
From there, open the account profile, security, or sign-in settings area and review the available two-factor authentication and recovery options.
Depending on the account setup, you may be able to edit your contact details directly or you may need to first disable the current security method and re-enable it using the new number.
Follow the prompts carefully and complete any verification steps Nintendo requests.
- Visit the official Nintendo Account sign-in page.
- Log in with your Nintendo Account email and password.
- Open account settings or sign-in and security settings.
- Look for two-factor authentication, security information, or recovery details.
- Select the phone number or contact option you want to update.
- Enter the new phone number and verify it with the code Nintendo sends.
- Save the changes and confirm the updated security details.
If your account uses an authenticator app instead of a phone number for two-step verification, you may not need to change a phone number at all.
In that case, the important task is updating your authentication method or recovery information rather than the verification app itself.
What if you no longer have access to the old phone number?
If the old number is inactive, lost, or no longer in your possession, your options depend on whether you can still sign in.
If you can access the account, update the security information immediately and replace any outdated recovery details.
If you cannot sign in because a verification code is being sent to the old number, check whether you have backup recovery options available.
These may include:
- An authenticator app already linked to the account
- Backup codes, if you saved them when enabling two-factor authentication
- Access to the email address associated with the Nintendo Account
- Identity verification through Nintendo support
If none of those options work, contact Nintendo Support and explain that your phone number changed and you cannot complete verification.
Support may ask for account details to confirm ownership before helping restore access.
Where to look in Nintendo account settings
Nintendo account menus can vary slightly by region and interface updates, but security settings are usually found in the account profile area.
Look for labels such as:
- Sign-in and security settings
- Password and security
- Two-step verification
- Account information
- Recovery settings
If you manage multiple Nintendo-related services, keep in mind that the Nintendo Account is separate from console user profiles on Nintendo Switch.
Changes made in your Nintendo Account settings may not automatically update every device profile, so review both the account and the console if something still looks outdated.
How to secure your Nintendo Account after updating the number
After you change the phone number, review the rest of your security setup to make sure the account remains protected.
Strong account hygiene matters, especially if you use the same account for Nintendo Switch Online, digital game purchases, or family management features.
- Use a unique password that is not shared with other services.
- Enable two-factor authentication if it is available.
- Save backup codes in a secure offline location.
- Check that your email address is current and accessible.
- Remove old devices or sessions if the account settings allow it.
For maximum protection, consider using an authenticator app rather than relying only on a phone number.
Authenticator-based codes are less vulnerable to SIM swap attacks, number recycling, and text interception issues.
Common problems when updating Nintendo security details
Some users run into issues when trying to update security information.
The most common problem is not being able to receive the verification code because the old number is gone or the carrier has not fully transferred service yet.
Another common issue is confusion between an account phone number and a console user profile.
If you are changing a recovery or verification method, you need to edit the Nintendo Account itself, not just the Switch system profile.
You may also run into delays if the browser caches an older session or if the Nintendo site requires a fresh sign-in.
When that happens, log out completely, clear the browser cache if needed, and try again using the official Nintendo Account page.
When to contact Nintendo Support
Contact Nintendo Support if you cannot complete verification, if your account appears locked, or if you believe the phone number was changed without your permission.
Support is the best option when you have lost access to both the phone number and the authenticator method tied to the account.
Be ready to provide the Nintendo Account email address, the name on the account, the country or region, and any recent purchase or console details that may help verify ownership.
The more accurate the information, the faster support can review the request.
Best practices for account recovery going forward
Once your number is updated, treat the account as a long-term security setup.
Keep recovery details current whenever you switch carriers, replace your phone, or change email addresses.
Review your Nintendo account security at least occasionally so you do not discover outdated information during an emergency.
If you use family sharing, payment methods, or linked services through the same Nintendo account, update those details too.
Consistent account maintenance helps prevent access problems and keeps digital purchases, subscriptions, and saved settings easier to manage.