Overview
KuCoin is a global cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, margin, futures, staking, and other services. Because accounts can hold valuable digital assets, login security and ongoing account hygiene are essential. This guide walks you through KuCoin’s self-service sign-in flow, how to harden your account with two-factor authentication and hardware keys, how to safely manage API keys and withdrawals, and what to do if you suspect compromise.
Before you log in — prepare your environment
Secure login begins with a secure device and network:
- Use your personal, updated computer or mobile device. Avoid public or shared machines for sensitive actions.
- Keep your operating system, browser, and antivirus up to date.
- Install KuCoin’s official mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store; do not sideload.
- Use a trusted network (home or work). If you must use public Wi‑Fi, combine it with a reputable VPN.
How to sign in — web & mobile
- Open a browser and go to
https://www.kucoin.com
or open the official KuCoin mobile app. - Click or tap Log In and enter your registered email or mobile number and password.
- Complete the second-factor challenge if enabled: TOTP (authenticator app), SMS, or U2F/WebAuthn key if registered.
- After signing in, optionally enable device recognition to reduce friction for frequent logins while keeping suspicious activity alerts enabled.
Always verify the domain and the HTTPS lock before entering credentials; phishing sites often mimic exchange pages to harvest logins.
Creating a secure account — what to do on signup
- Use a unique, high-entropy password generated by a password manager. Avoid reusing passwords across services.
- Register with an email account secured by its own 2FA; email compromise can lead to account takeovers.
- Enable two-factor authentication immediately after registration—prefer authenticator apps or hardware keys over SMS.
- Record and securely store any backup or recovery codes provided during setup in at least two separate, secure physical locations.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) options
KuCoin supports multiple second-factor options. Here’s how to choose and set them up:
- TOTP authenticator apps (Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) — robust and recommended. Scan the QR code in your KuCoin security settings and save your backup codes offline.
- SMS verification — available but less secure due to SIM swap risks. Use only if no better option is available.
- U2F / WebAuthn hardware keys — the most phishing-resistant option. Register a hardware key for login and withdrawal confirmations if KuCoin supports it in your region.
Recommended: Register both a TOTP method and a hardware key (if available) and keep backup codes in a secure offline place to avoid lockouts.
Setting up TOTP on KuCoin
- Navigate to Account > Security and choose Enable Google Authenticator (or similar TOTP option).
- Scan the QR code in your authenticator app or enter the secret manually.
- Enter the 6-digit code from the app to confirm setup and download or note any recovery codes KuCoin displays.
- Store recovery codes offline; do not keep them in plaintext on a computer or cloud storage.
Using hardware security keys (U2F/WebAuthn)
If KuCoin supports hardware keys in your region, they offer the strongest protection:
- In Security settings, choose to register a hardware key and follow prompts to insert or tap the device.
- Label keys clearly (e.g., “Home YubiKey” and “Backup YubiKey”) and store backups in separate secure locations.
- Test the key by signing out and signing back in using the hardware key when prompted for 2FA.
Hardware keys prevent phishing by requiring the physical device and cannot be cloned remotely.
Protecting withdrawals — address whitelists & withdrawal locks
- Address whitelisting: Enable whitelist-only withdrawals to restrict outgoing transfers to pre-approved addresses. This is highly recommended for long-term storage or treasury accounts.
- Withdrawal delay windows: Enable holds for new withdrawal addresses so you have time to cancel unauthorized requests.
- Daily limits and email confirmations: Set conservative withdrawal limits and require email confirmation for large or new withdrawals.
Combining these safeguards with strong 2FA dramatically reduces risk even if credentials are exposed.
API keys — secure programmatic access
For bot trading or integrations, create API keys with care:
- Grant only minimal permissions required (e.g., read-only for monitoring, trading permissions only where necessary).
- Use IP restrictions where KuCoin supports them to lock keys to specific servers.
- Never embed API keys in public repositories; store them securely in environment variables or secret managers.
- Regularly rotate keys and delete unused keys promptly.
Account recovery — what to do if you’re locked out
- Use the Forgot password flow to reset your password via registered email. Check spam folders if the email isn’t received.
- If you lose your 2FA device, use the backup codes saved during setup. If you don’t have backup codes, use KuCoin’s account recovery process and be prepared to provide ID, transaction history, and other verification details.
- Avoid using social channels for recovery — follow KuCoin’s official support portal and provide the requested documents via secure upload only.
Recovery can take time, especially for accounts with high balances; keeping backups separated and secure reduces downtime and stress.
Troubleshooting common login problems
Reset emails not arriving
- Check spam and any filtering rules; whitelist
@kucoin.com
. - Confirm the email on file is correct. If you changed email recently, use the previous address if still accessible to receive recovery links.
TOTP codes rejected
- Ensure your authenticator app’s clock is set to automatic network time; TOTP depends on accurate timekeeping.
- Try using a freshly-generated code or a backup code if you saved them.
Hardware key not working
- Test the key on another site or device to rule out a local driver or browser issue.
- Ensure your browser supports WebAuthn and has USB permissions enabled for the site.
If you suspect an account compromise
- Change your KuCoin password immediately from a secure device if you can still access the account.
- Revoke active sessions and API keys, and disable withdrawals if needed via Security settings.
- Contact KuCoin Support via the official help portal and submit evidence: timestamps, transaction IDs, suspicious emails, and device details.
- Consider filing a report with local law enforcement if significant funds are involved and preserve all related communications.
Act quickly but follow KuCoin’s official channels and never disclose full secrets in public or insecure channels.