How to verify a VALORANT account

If you want to play Ranked in VALORANT without account issues, account verification now matters more than before. Riot has started using Riot Mobile multi-factor authentication for some players, and that has changed what “verify VALORANT account” usually means. Even if your region or rank does not require it yet, enabling Riot’s security tools still helps protect your progress, skins, and account details. Here is how to verify your VALORANT account!

Why would you verify your VALORANT account?

The biggest reason is simple: some players cannot enter Competitive Queue until they verify. Riot says this applies to accounts in BR, KR, LATAM, and NA that are ranked Ascendant or higher, along with accounts suspected of being shared between multiple people. If your account falls into that group, the normal Start button is replaced with a Verify Account button.

Verification also strengthens account security. Many stolen gaming accounts do not have multi-factor authentication enabled, so adding Riot Mobile MFA makes it harder for someone else to access your account. That matters in VALORANT because one compromised login can put your skins, rank, and account history at risk. Riot also notes that if an account reaches Ascendant or above from Patch 11.10 onward, the verification requirement stays active even if the rank later drops.

Who needs VALORANT account verification right now?

Right now, the Ranked verification requirement does not apply to every player worldwide. Riot says it currently affects BR, KR, LATAM, and NA in the cases mentioned above. EU and AP are not part of the current rollout yet, although Riot has said those regions are planned for 2026.

That means many players can still play normally, while others will see verification prompts depending on rank, region, or account behavior.

How to verify your VALORANT account

First, check whether Riot is asking you to verify. If you see a Verify Account button instead of the usual Competitive Queue button, your account needs Riot Mobile MFA before Ranked access continues.

Then follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Riot account page.

2. Go to the MFA tab.

3. Enable email MFA if it is not already active.

4. Download the Riot Mobile app.
5. Sign in to Riot Mobile with the same account.
6. Go back to account management and activate Riot Mobile MFA.
7. Scan the QR code with Riot Mobile and confirm setup.
8. Turn on app notifications if prompted.

Why can't your VAL account be authenticated?

If your VAL account cannot be authenticated, a few common issues usually cause it:

• Riot Mobile MFA is not fully enabled: Email MFA alone is not enough for Ranked verification when Riot specifically asks for Riot Mobile MFA.
• You lost access to your email: Riot may still need your email MFA code during setup or login on a new device.
• Your login details are wrong: A mistyped username, password, or even using the wrong account can block access.
• The account needs ownership confirmation: Riot may ask for details such as your birth date, account creation location, linked sign-in method, or transaction ID to confirm you are the original owner.
• You are trying to use a standard authenticator app for Ranked verification: Riot allows authenticator apps for general account security, but Ranked verification requires Riot Mobile MFA.

Riot Mobile MFA vs authenticator apps for VALORANT

This point confuses many players. Riot supports different MFA methods for account security, including email and standard authenticator apps. However, when VALORANT Ranked verification is required, Riot Mobile MFA is the one that counts. Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator may still help secure the account, but they do not replace Riot Mobile for Competitive verification.

There is also a small extra benefit. Riot says players who enable MFA through Riot Mobile can receive a one-time in-game reward in VALORANT: the “Keep it Safer” Gun Buddy. That is not the main reason to verify, but it is a useful bonus for securing the account.

How to recover access if verification fails

If setup still does not work, the fastest next step is account recovery or Player Support. Riot says the Account Recovery Tool is the quickest option for many login problems. If that does not solve the issue, you can submit a support ticket and provide ownership details so Riot can review the account manually.

If you found this piece useful, check out more of our VALORANT guides below:

• VALORANT crosshair color codes
• Best crosshairs in VALORANT
• Dot crosshair VALORANT settings & codes
• Square crosshair VALORANT code & settings
• Why won’t my VALORANT open? Common causes and working fixes (2026)

Featured Image Credit: Riot Games