Etsy works hard to keep your account and the marketplace safe, but there are proactive steps you can take as well. Make your account more secure by setting a strong password, using 2 factor authentication, monitoring sign-in notifications, and more. 

Also make sure to save the backup codes Etsy provides you with when setting up 2 factor authentication. These one-time use codes can help you log in to your account if you can’t access the phone or email you used to set up 2FA.

How to create a secure password

To help you create a secure password, here are some password best practices:

Do use

• At least 8 characters, but the longer the better
• A mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols

Don't use

• Your username
• A previous password or password used on another site
• Consecutive keyboard combinations such as "qwerty" or "asdfg"
• A complete dictionary word or obvious combinations of dictionary words
• Slang terms, common misspellings, or words spelled backward
• Names such as your company name or names of spouses, kids, other relatives, or pets
• Personal information such as your age or birth date

Learn how to change your password. 

Change your password every 6 months to help make your account more secure. A password manager may be helpful for keeping track of your password. 

How to set up 2 factor authentication

2 factor authentication is required when you open a new shop on Etsy. It’s optional, but strongly recommended, for existing sellers as well as buyers. With 2 factor authentication, you’re required to enter your password and a verification code when: 

• you sign in using a different browser or on a new device; and
• every 30 days.

The temporary verification code is sent to you through either an authenticator app, or a call or text to your phone. You can use the same phone number or authenticator app for verifying multiple accounts that you own. 

2 factor authentication provides extra defense against your account being hacked. If a hacker or unwanted user correctly enters your password, they will only be able to access your account if they enter the verification code.

To set up 2 factor authentication on Etsy.com:

1. On Etsy.com, select your profile icon and choose Account settings. 
2. Go to Security.
3. Under 2 factor authentication, choose Turn on 2FA.
4. Choose which option you want to use for 2FA: SMS, Phone, or Authenticator App. 
5. Select Continue. 
6. Follow the instructions on screen to confirm the 2FA verification.
7. You'll be given backup codes. Choose to either Save to your device or Copy codes. 
8. Select Complete. 

Once you enable 2FA using SMS or phone, your number will appear in the Your mobile phone number section in a masked format. You can update your phone number at any time by verifying your existing number.

To set up-two factor authentication for the Etsy Seller app: 

1. On the Etsy Seller app, go to the More tab. 
2. Under Account & app settings, select 2 Factor authentication 
3. Choose which option you want to use for 2FA: SMS, Phone, or Authenticator App. 
4. Select Continue. 
5. Follow the instructions on screen to confirm the 2FA verification.
6. You'll be given backup codes. Choose to either Save to your device or Copy codes. 
7. Select Complete. 

Once you enable 2FA using SMS or phone, your number will appear in the Your mobile phone number section in a masked format. You can update your phone number at any time by verifying your existing number.

Can I turn off 2 factor authentication?

You can turn 2 factor authentication off and on again at any time after onboarding. 

To turn off 2 factor authentication:

Is call or text verification available in my country?

Depending on your country, receiving a verification code to your phone may not be available. If your country is not listed below, you will likely need to set up 2 factor authentication using an authenticator app.

Countries that can receive a verification code through call or text:

What is an authenticator app?

An authenticator app is an app for Apple or Android devices that generates a verification code.

This option is more secure, as it is less susceptible to cyber attacks, interception, or hackings.

To set up an authenticator app when opening a new shop on Etsy.com:

To set up an authenticator app in your Security settings:

How to use backup codes to access your Etsy account

Any time you enable 2 Factor authentication (2FA), Etsy provides you with a set of 9-digit backup codes. These codes can help you log in to your Etsy account if you can’t use 2FA, such as if you change your phone number, or can’t access the device and/or code generator you linked to your 2FA. 

To use a backup code to access your Etsy account: 

1. Go to sign in to your Etsy account on desktop or mobile. 
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Instead of using the 2FA code you receive on your mobile device, enter one of your backup codes in the Security Code field. Each backup code can only be used once. 
4. You can now log in to your account. If you need to update your phone number or 2FA settings, you can do so from your Security page. 

How to view your sign-in history 

Your sign-in history shows you when and where you sign in to your Etsy account. You'll see your sign in history for up to 10 of your most recent sign-ins.

To see your sign-in history:

If you signed in to Etsy on a public computer and forgot to sign out, you can select Sign out to remove your active session from that device.

How to protect your account with security SMS alerts

You can enable security alerts that notify you when suspicious activity is detected in your account. An SMS is then sent to your phone so you can take immediate action to protect your account.

How to set up security SMS alerts:

1. On Etsy.com, select your profile icon and choose Account settings. 
2. Go to Security.
3. If there is no number listed under Your mobile number, verify your mobile number by selecting your country code and entering your mobile number. (Landline numbers are not accepted.)
4. Select Send verification code.
5. Enter the 6-digit code sent to the mobile number you provided.
6. Once verified, the last four digits of your mobile number will appear in the Your mobile number section in a masked format.
7. After verifying your number, choose Turn on alerts.
8. Toggle the switch for Turn on security alerts.

Authentic security alerts from Etsy won't contain any links. Be suspicious of any security alert SMS claiming to be from Etsy that includes a link. 

How do I change my verified mobile number?

To change your verified mobile number: 

1. On Etsy.com, select your profile icon and choose Account settings. 
2. Go to Security.
3. Under Your mobile number, choose Edit.
4. Confirm the number that you previously verified for your account. 
5. Choose Continue. 
6. Once you confirm your previous number, verify the new mobile number by selecting your country code and entering your mobile number (Landline numbers are not accepted).
7. Choose Send verification code. 
8. Enter the 6-digit code sent to the mobile number you provided. 
9. Once verified, the last four digits of your mobile number will appear in the Your mobile number section in a masked format.

How do I turn off security SMS alerts?

You can turn off security SMS alerts at any time. However, it’s strongly recommended to keep them on for added protection. With alerts enabled, you’ll receive real-time SMS notifications if any suspicious activity is detected on your account.

To turn off security SMS notifications: 

1. On Etsy.com, in your Account settings, go to Notifications.
2. Toggle off the switch for Turn on security alerts.
3. You can turn security alerts back on at any time by toggling the switch back on.

More account security measures

Take these simple, but important, additional steps to protect yourself and your account. 

• Update software and apps: Keep all software, including virus protection software, up to date. Be sure to use the official and most current Etsy apps—or Etsy.com, if you’re on the web—when managing your Etsy account.
• Check for unfamiliar activity: Review sign-in history and check for third-party connections on your Etsy account. Sign out of any unrecognized devices, delete any connections you didn’t add, and reset your password.
• Limit access to your account: Limit access to your account to only those who truly need it to help protect it from unwanted changes, such as accidental password resets. As outlined in Etsy’s Terms of Use, you’re responsible for any activity on your account, so it’s important to keep your account and password secure.
• Keep your contact details up to date: Having a current phone number and email address on file means you’ll be able to verify and authenticate your account with 2 factor authentication, reset your password, and receive important notification emails from Etsy, such as activity alerts related to unusual logins or account changes. 
• Change preset passwords on devices: Change the name of your wireless network, as well as any preset passwords that come with your router, to something unique.
• Clear old devices: When switching to a new device, it’s a good idea to delete any personal information and reset your old device to its original, factory settings.
• Keep financial information up to date: If you’re an Etsy seller, you should regularly review payment and billing details so you’ll know right away if suspicious or unfamiliar information appears in your account.