How to Change Your Second Factor Authentication for Your Personal my Social Security Account
This is part three of our three-part blog series, “my Social Security 101.” Miss the first two blogs? You can read Part 1 and Part 2 here.
Did you recently get a new cell phone number or email address? If you did, you will need to update your personal my Social Security account to reflect the new number or email. You will be required to use the second factor process to access your account. Second factor authentication provides an extra level of security for your account. Here’s what you need to know to help you keep your account safe and secure.
To update the second factor authentication on your account, go to the Sign In page. Enter your username and password. Then, follow these steps:
- On the page that asks you to “Please verify your cell phone number” or “Please verify your email address”—depending on which one is currently listed as your second factor, choose, “No, it is no longer valid and must be changed.” If you registered both your cell phone and email address, you will get a screen with both options. Choose this option to let us know that you can no longer access it.
- Click “Next.”
- Scroll down and check the “I agree to the Terms of Service” box.
- Click “Next.”
- Enter your mailing address and primary phone number in the “Provide Information” page.
- Click “Mail Reset Code Instructions.”
- Then, click “Done” on the next page.
After completing these steps, you’ll receive a letter by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Your letter will contain a reset code and step-by-step instructions for changing where you receive security codes.
When you receive the letter with your reset code, go to the Sign In page, enter your username, and include your password. Then, you can:
- Click “Sign In.”
- Click “Yes, let’s begin” on the “Do you have your reset code letter?” page.
- Click “Next.”
- Fill in the appropriate field to let us know how you want to receive your security code—whether by text message or email.
- Click “Next.”
- Enter the security code you received—by text message or email—in the space provided.
- Then, click “Submit Security Code.”
- Enter the reset code from your letter on the following page.
- Click “Next.”
- Then, click “Next” again.
- Scroll down and check the “I agree to the Terms of Service” box.
- Click “Next.” This will take you to your my Social Security account.
Be sure to refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page for any additional questions—and check out our most asked questions and main topics. Please share this information with your friends and family—and subscribe to our blog for the latest updates.