Kickstarter no longer requires a password to log in or create an account. Instead, we use a one-time verification code sent directly to your email. Enter your email address, check your inbox for a 6-digit code, and you're in! No password needed.
This applies to all Kickstarter accounts.
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OTP (One-Time Password)
OTP refers to a randomly generated code (typically 6 digits) that is sent to an external channel, such as your email, to verify your identity. Because this code is transmitted to you, it requires communication between devices. It is generally valid for a limited period and can only be used once. -
TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password)
TOTP is a security method where a 6-digit code is generated locally on your own device using an authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or integrated password managers like 1Password). It relies on a "seed" (shared secret) generated at the time of setup.
Logging in to an existing account
- Go to the Log in page and enter your email address.
- Check your email inbox for a 6-digit verification code from Kickstarter.
- Enter the code on the verification screen to continue.
- If your account has two-factor authentication enabled (2FA), open your authenticator app and enter the current 6-digit code to complete sign in.
If you select “Remember this device for 30 days,” you won’t need to enter a verification code again on the same browser or device during that period, unless you sign out or clear your browser data.
Signing up
- Go to the Sign up page and enter the email address you'd like to use.
- Enter your first and last name.
- Decide whether to opt in to our marketing emails and/or research surveys.
- Check your inbox for a 6-digit verification code from Kickstarter. The code is valid for 10 minutes and can only be used once.
- Enter the code on the verification screen to complete signing up.
Logging in or signing up with Apple
You can also log in or create an account using your Apple account. Click the “Continue with Apple” button on the Log in or Sign up page and complete the authentication in the window that opens up.
If you are a returning user with two-factor authentication active, you will be required to provide your authenticator code. If you are a new user, your Kickstarter account will be created automatically using your Apple credentials.
If the Apple pop-up fails or you close it, you'll be returned to the Log in or Sign up page to continue with your email instead.
FAQs
I did not receive a verification code
- First, check your spam or junk folder. The email comes from Kickstarter and has a subject line about your verification code.
- Make sure the email address on your account is one you can currently access. You can verify this by checking your Account settings when signed in.
- Click “Resend code” to request a new one. Each new code invalidates the previous one.
I received an incorrect verification code
Make sure you're entering the most recent code. A previous code is invalidated the moment a new one is sent. After several incorrect attempts, you will need to request a new code.
My verification code has expired
Codes will expire after a period of time. To request a new one, click “Resend code”.
If you continue to have trouble receiving codes, please contact our Support team.
What happened to my password?
Kickstarter has moved to passwordless authentication. Passwords are no longer used to log in or sign up. If you previously had a password on your account, you won't be prompted for it going forward, instead you will be asked to provide your OTP code, and TOTP code, if you have 2FA enabled.
Why is Kickstarter doing this?
This is a security improvement. Passwordless authentication is a widely adopted best practice, removing the password entirely means there's nothing to steal, reuse, or expose in a third-party data breach. Your account is protected by access to your email inbox, and if enabled, a TOTP app/device.
I already have two-factor authentication (2FA) set up, does this affect me?
If you have an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) set up for 2FA, you will still be prompted for that code as part of your log in. The full log in steps can be found under “Logging in to an existing account” above.
I can't access the email address on my account
If you no longer have access to the email address associated with your account, please contact our Support team for help with account recovery. Account recovery is handled case by case and is not available through the standard log in flow.