Free Online TOTP Generator

What Is TOTP?

TOTP stands for Time-based One-Time Password. It is a standard for generating temporary authentication codes based on a shared secret and the current time.

TOTP is commonly used as part of two-factor authentication. When an account supports TOTP, the service provides a secret key during the setup process. A compatible authenticator uses that secret to calculate temporary verification codes.

Because the generated code changes over time, a previously generated code normally becomes invalid after its configured time interval.

How Does a TOTP Generator Work?

A TOTP Generator uses two primary pieces of information: a shared secret key and the current time.

The generated value is usually a short numeric code. The authentication service performs the same calculation on its side and compares the result with the code entered during login.

How to Generate a TOTP Code

If your account uses TOTP authentication and you have the corresponding secret key, you can generate a compatible verification code.

1. Find your TOTP secret key. During account security setup, the service may provide a QR code or a manual setup key.
2. Open the TOTP generator. Visit the TOTP generator on 2fa.cn.
3. Enter the secret key. Follow the instructions provided by the original service.
4. Generate the TOTP code. The generator calculates the current time-based code.
5. Enter the code. Return to the original service and enter the generated verification code.

How Long Does a TOTP Code Last?

TOTP codes are temporary. Many services use a 30-second time step, which means a new code is normally generated every 30 seconds.

However, the exact time interval is determined by the TOTP configuration used by the service. Some systems may use different settings.

If a code expires before you enter it, generate the current code again and submit it to the original service.

TOTP vs. OTP

OTP means One-Time Password and describes a temporary or one-time authentication password.

TOTP is a specific type of OTP that uses time as part of the code-generation process.

TOTP vs. HOTP

TOTP and HOTP are both one-time password algorithms, but they use different inputs when generating codes.

TOTP

TOTP uses the current time together with a shared secret to generate the authentication code.

HOTP

HOTP uses a counter together with a shared secret. The counter changes when authentication codes are generated or consumed according to the implementation.

TOTP is commonly used by modern authenticator applications because it can automatically generate new codes according to a time interval.

Does TOTP Require an Internet Connection?

TOTP code generation itself does not normally require continuous internet access.

The calculation uses the shared secret and the current time. This means a compatible authenticator can generally calculate a TOTP code without communicating with the original service during every code generation.

An online TOTP generator is different because you need an internet connection to access the web page.

Why Is My TOTP Code Not Working?

An invalid TOTP code can have several possible causes.

Incorrect Secret Key

Make sure the secret key was copied correctly. A single incorrect character can produce a different code.

Incorrect System Time

TOTP depends on the current time. If your device clock is significantly different from the server's time, authentication may fail.

Expired Code

TOTP codes are temporary. If the code has already expired, generate the current code and try again.

Incorrect TOTP Configuration

Some services use specific parameters for their TOTP implementation. Make sure the authenticator configuration matches the original service.

Is an Online TOTP Generator Safe?

A TOTP secret key is sensitive authentication information. Anyone who obtains the secret may potentially generate valid authentication codes for the associated account.

For important accounts, carefully consider the security implications before entering a real TOTP secret into any online service.

• Keep your TOTP secret private.
• Do not share your QR code publicly.
• Do not send your secret key to other people.
• Keep account recovery codes in a secure location.
• Use trusted authentication tools.
• Reset your authentication credentials if you believe the secret has been exposed.

Where Is TOTP Used?

TOTP is widely used as an additional authentication factor for online accounts and services.

• Email accounts
• Social media accounts
• Developer platforms
• Cloud services
• Business applications
• Financial services
• Online marketplaces

Whenever a service provides a compatible TOTP setup key, users may configure a compatible authenticator to generate temporary verification codes.

Frequently Asked Questions