iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) to add a second sign-in check after your password; use a passkey when the platform offers passwordless sign-in. Face ID can authorize a passkey on a compatible device, but it is not itself a gaming-account 2FA code. Secure the account’s email and linked sign-ins as well, and save recovery options before you lose access to a device.
How 2FA and Face ID protect a gaming account
With 2FA, you enter your password and then prove access through a separate check, such as an authenticator code, an email or SMS code, or an approval prompt. That extra step can stop someone who has learned your password from completing sign-in. Epic Games describes this protection in its account security guidance.
A passkey works differently: it replaces the password sign-in. A device may ask you to confirm that sign-in with Face ID, another face scan, a fingerprint, or a screen-lock PIN. PlayStation describes passkeys as password replacements and supports them on specified PlayStation devices and services; compatibility can vary by browser and device. Face ID is therefore a way to authorize a passkey on a compatible device, not a one-time code supplied by every gaming platform. See PlayStation’s passkey setup and compatibility information.
Recommended Free Tools
These protections address different sign-in flows. A platform may offer conventional 2FA, passkeys, or both; the available choices depend on the service and can change. Check the account’s current security settings rather than assuming a feature is available everywhere.
#1 Best Overall
Which sign-in method should you choose?
| Method | What happens at sign-in | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Authenticator-app 2FA | You enter a password, then a code or approve a prompt. | Keep access to the authenticator available and prepare the platform’s recovery method before replacing or losing the device. |
| Email or SMS 2FA | You enter a password, then use a code sent to your email address or phone. | Protect the email account and keep recovery details current. SMS availability may vary by region. |
| Passkey | You sign in with a passkey instead of a password and authorize it on a compatible device. | Check which devices and browsers the platform supports, and know how you will recover access if the passkey device is unavailable. |
There is no universal best option across gaming services. Epic lists its built-in number-match prompt, authenticator apps, email, and SMS, and recommends authenticator apps among its listed 2FA methods. PlayStation documents authenticator-app or SMS 2-step verification and separately offers passkeys. Compare the options in the platform’s own Epic 2FA methods and PlayStation account security guidance.
How to turn on account protection
- Start with the account’s official security settings. Sign in through the platform’s official website or app, open account security, and look for 2FA, 2-step verification, or passkey options. Exact menu names and steps differ by service.
- Choose a supported method. Follow the prompts to add an authenticator app, email or SMS verification, an approval prompt, or a passkey if offered. Complete any verification the platform requests.
- Save recovery details. If the platform provides backup codes, store them somewhere private and accessible if your phone is unavailable. Confirm your recovery email and phone number are current.
- Secure the surrounding accounts. Use a unique password for the gaming account and protect its email account with a unique password and 2FA. Review linked console, social, and other sign-in accounts.
For Epic’s current options, use its 2FA setup guidance. For PlayStation, consult its account security support page and separate passkey instructions. The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s 2023 MFA guide also names Steam, PlayStation, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Epic as gaming examples, while advising users to check each service’s account settings.
Rank #2
Protect linked accounts and sign-in requests
A gaming account can be exposed through more than its own password. Epic notes that linked Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Facebook, or Google accounts can be used to access an Epic account. Secure each linked sign-in and the email address used for recovery; otherwise, a weak link elsewhere can undermine the extra check on the gaming account. Epic’s account security guidance also recommends unique passwords and securing email.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Do not tell anyone a verification code or approve a sign-in prompt you did not initiate.
- Open the official app or type the platform’s address yourself instead of following a sign-in link in a suspicious message.
- Use a password manager if helpful for creating and keeping unique passwords; Epic recommends password managers as part of account security.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s MFA guide likewise advises using MFA where possible and protecting sensitive accounts, including primary email.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do before losing a phone or authenticator
Recovery is platform-specific, so prepare while you can still sign in. PlayStation says users should record their backup codes; it provides ten codes, each usable once. If you lose access to both the registered phone and backup codes, PlayStation says you may need to contact support. Its account security page also describes recovery support.
Epic’s recovery process may ask for an enabled 2FA method, email verification, or further account information. Its account recovery guidance explains the available steps. Before changing or resetting a phone, transfer authenticator access where possible or confirm the service’s recovery route. Keep recovery contact details current and store codes privately, not in a place accessible to someone who could use them to take over the account.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
