Quickstart — fast, secure sign-in
Logging in to Uphold is the first line of access to your digital wallet. A secure sign-in is a small set of careful choices — unique password, MFA, and device hygiene — that dramatically reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Follow this step-by-step flow for a robust baseline.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): why it matters
MFA prevents account takeover even when passwords are compromised. Uphold supports several MFA methods — prefer time‑based one‑time passwords (TOTP) from an authenticator app or hardware keys (WebAuthn) for the strongest protection. Avoid SMS when possible due to SIM-swap risks.
Device & session management
Uphold records active sessions and devices. Periodically review and revoke sessions you don’t recognize. Use session notifications and device alerts to spot suspicious activity early.
- View recent sessions in your account settings and revoke unfamiliar ones immediately.
- Prefer dedicated devices for financial operations — a separate mobile device or desktop for everyday checks and critical operations reduces risk.
- When using shared computers, always sign out and clear browser data.
- Consider using hardware-backed authentication (e.g., security keys) for critical approvals.
Account recovery & lost access
Losing access to an account can be stressful. Uphold’s recovery flow balances user convenience with fraud prevention — be prepared so recovery is smooth and secure.
- Use backup codes or your TOTP seed to regain access when available.
- If not available, follow Uphold’s identity verification process — this may require government ID and proof of ownership.
- Update recovery contact information and record emergency steps for future reference.
Troubleshooting common sign-in issues
Most login problems are caused by simple issues — clocks out of sync, browser extensions, or wrong credentials. Try these before contacting support.
- Make sure your device clock is accurate — TOTP tokens depend on time sync.
- Try an incognito/private browsing window to rule out extension conflicts.
- Clear cookies/cache or try a different browser if pages fail to load.
- Check your email (including spam) for password reset or verification messages.
- If using a password manager, ensure it fills the correct credentials for the domain.
Privacy & data handling
Uphold collects information needed for account operation and regulatory compliance. Review the privacy policy to understand what is stored and how to manage preferences. Minimize public exposure of personally identifying information and enable account notifications for security events.
FAQ
Q: Can I use biometric login?
A: Biometric options (Face ID, Touch ID) may be available on supported mobile devices. They simplify access but should be used alongside MFA and a strong device passcode.
Q: What if I lose my phone with the authenticator app?
A: Use your saved backup codes or TOTP secret to transfer your tokens to a new device. If neither is available, follow the Uphold account recovery flow and be prepared to verify identity.
Q: Is SMS-based MFA safe?
A: SMS is better than no MFA but is susceptible to SIM-swap attacks. Use TOTP or hardware keys for stronger protection where possible.
A secure login practice is a small daily habit that compounds into meaningful protection. Use unique credentials, layered authentication, device hygiene, and regular checks to keep your Uphold account secure.
Ten official links
Quick access to Uphold resources for login, security, and support.