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Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account. Even if someone learns your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication requires two things to log in:

  1. Something you know - Your password

  2. Something you have - A code from your authenticator app

This means that even if your password is compromised, your account remains protected.

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication

Step 1: Access Security Settings

  1. Click your avatar in the bottom-left corner of the sidebar

  2. Select Profile from the menu

  3. Click on the Security tab

Step 2: Enable 2FA

  1. Find the two-factor authentication section

  2. Click Enable or Set Up

  3. A QR code will appear on screen

Step 3: Scan the QR Code

Using your authenticator app:

  1. Open your authenticator app (see recommendations below)

  2. Tap the option to add a new account

  3. Scan the QR code displayed in Dear

  4. The app will start generating 6-digit codes

Step 4: Verify Setup

  1. Enter the current 6-digit code from your authenticator app

  2. Click Verify or Confirm

  3. Two-factor authentication is now active

Step 5: Save Recovery Codes

After enabling 2FA, you’ll receive recovery codes:

  1. Save these codes immediately - They’re only shown once

  2. Store them somewhere safe (password manager, printed copy, secure note)

  3. Each code can only be used once

  4. These codes let you access your account if you lose your phone

Any TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) authenticator will work. Popular options include:

App

Platform

Notes

Google Authenticator

iOS, Android

Simple and widely used

Microsoft Authenticator

iOS, Android

Includes backup features

Authy

iOS, Android, Desktop

Syncs across devices

1Password

iOS, Android, Desktop

Built into the password manager

Logging In with 2FA

Once enabled, logging in requires an extra step:

  1. Enter your email and password as usual

  2. You’ll be prompted for your 2FA code

  3. Open your authenticator app

  4. Enter the current 6-digit code

  5. Click Verify to complete login

The code changes every 30 seconds, so enter the current one displayed.

Using Recovery Codes

If you can’t access your authenticator app:

  1. On the 2FA prompt, look for Use recovery code option

  2. Enter one of your saved recovery codes

  3. You’ll be logged in

Important: Each recovery code works only once. After using a code, consider generating new ones from your security settings.

Disabling Two-Factor Authentication

To turn off 2FA:

  1. Go to your Profile > Security tab

  2. Find the two-factor authentication section

  3. Click Disable

  4. Confirm your decision

Your account will return to password-only authentication.

Lost Phone or Authenticator

If you’ve lost access to your authenticator app:

  1. Use a recovery code - If you saved them, use one to log in

  2. Contact support - If you don’t have recovery codes, reach out for help

This is why saving recovery codes is so important when you first enable 2FA.

Best Practices

  1. Save your recovery codes - Store them securely outside your phone

  2. Use a reputable authenticator app - Stick to well-known, trusted apps

  3. Keep your phone secure - Use a screen lock on your device

  4. Consider backup options - Some apps like Authy offer cloud backup


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