# TOTP vs HOTP: time-based and counter-based codes | 2FAOrbit

> Compare TOTP and HOTP authentication codes, what makes them change, and which setup links 2FAOrbit supports.

Canonical: https://2faorbit.online/guides/totp-vs-hotp/
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# TOTP vs HOTP: time-based and counter-based codes

By 2FAOrbit · Updated October 30, 2026 · 2 min read

TOTP and HOTP both produce short authentication codes. Their main difference is the moving value used to calculate each one.

## What changes the code?

SettingTOTPHOTPMoving valueTime intervalEvent counterNext codeAt the next intervalWhen the counter advancesSetup typeotpauth://totp/otpauth://hotp/In 2FAOrbitSupportedNot supported

## Choose what the service specifies

An authenticator has to match the service’s configuration. Changing the setup link from HOTP to TOTP does not convert the account. If you have a counter-based setup, use an authenticator that supports it.

## Inspect before importing

Our [setup link inspector](https://2faorbit.online/otpauth-url-decoder/) tells you when a link uses an unsupported format. For a standard TOTP link, it shows the algorithm, digits and period so you can understand the configuration before using it.

References: [RFC 4226: HOTP](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4226) and [RFC 6238: TOTP](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc6238).

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