> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://discovercardknowledgedesk.mintlify.site/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Discover Two-Step Verification and One-Time Codes Explained > Learn how Discover uses one-time codes and extra verification to protect your login. Find out how codes arrive, why you should never share them, and what to do if one does not show up. [Get Started Here →]() Discover uses extra verification steps, sometimes called two-step verification or multi-factor authentication, to make sure it is really you logging in. After you enter your User ID and password, Discover may ask for a one-time code before you can access your account. This adds a second layer of protection even if someone else knows your password. ## How one-time codes work A one-time code is a short number, usually sent to you during login, that you must enter to continue. It is meant to be used once and expires after a short time. Discover may ask for this code when you log in from a new device, a new browser, or a new location, or if it notices something unusual about your login attempt. ## How you may receive a code Discover can send one-time codes in a few ways. The exact options depend on what you have set up in your account: | Method | What to expect | | - | - | | Text message (SMS) | A short code sent to your registered mobile phone number. Standard messaging rates may apply. | | Email | A code sent to the email address on file with your Discover account. Check your inbox and spam folder. | | Authenticator app | If you have set up an authenticator app, you may open it to find a time-based code to enter. | | Phone call | In some cases, Discover may call your registered phone number and provide the code verbally. | > [!NOTE] > > The exact labels and available options may vary depending on your account type and the device you are using. Look for prompts like "Verify your identity" or "Enter security code" during login. ## Never share your one-time code > [!WARNING] > > Discover will never call, text, or email you out of the blue to ask for your password or a one-time code. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Discover and asks for a code, hang up or delete the message. It is likely a scam. * Do not read a one-time code to anyone over the phone, even if they say they work for Discover. * Do not text or email a code to anyone. * Do not enter a code into a website other than the official Discover site at [https://www.discover.com](https://www.discover.com) or the official Discover mobile app. ## What to do if you do not receive a code > **Wait a minute and check again** > > Codes sometimes take a few moments to arrive. Wait up to two minutes before requesting another one. > **Check your spam or junk folder** > > If the code was sent by email, it may have been filtered into spam, junk, or promotions. Search your inbox for messages from Discover. > **Verify your contact information** > > Make sure the phone number or email address on your Discover account is current. If you recently changed your number, you may need to update it in your account settings, which may require calling customer service. > **Request a new code** > > On the verification screen, look for a link like "Send a new code" or "Didn't receive a code?" and click it. Avoid clicking repeatedly, since some systems limit how often you can request a code. > **Try a different delivery method** > > If Discover offers more than one way to receive a code, such as email or text, try the other option if one is not working. > **Contact Discover if nothing works** > > If you still cannot receive a code after trying the steps above, call the customer service number printed on the back of your Discover card or listed on [discover.com](https://www.discover.com). They can help verify your identity through other means. ## If you suspect someone else has your code If you accidentally shared a one-time code or think someone else intercepted it, log in to your Discover account as soon as you can and change your password. You can also call Discover customer service to report the incident and ask them to review recent account activity. > [!NOTE] > > This Knowledge Desk is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Discover. Always log in only at the official site, [https://www.discover.com](https://www.discover.com), or the official Discover mobile app. ## Related articles * [Reset your password](/account/reset-password) * [Recover your User ID](/account/forgot-user-id) * [Spot phishing scams](/blog/spot-phishing-scams) * [Can't log in troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/cant-log-in) This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.