# Turn on two-factor authentication

_Category: Team and account_

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your account even if someone learns your password. After you enter your password, you also type a code from an authenticator app on your phone.

**Who can do this:** Everyone, for their own account · **Plans:** All plans

## Before you start

Install an authenticator app on your phone, such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, 1Password or Authy.

If you created your account with Google, set a password first. Until you do, **Security Settings** says "Set a password first. Enabling two-factor authentication asks you to confirm it." See [Change or reset your password](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/change-your-password).

## Turn on 2FA

1. At the bottom of the left menu, click your avatar, then **Account Settings**.
2. Under **Security Settings**, click **Enable 2FA**.
3. In **Confirm Password**, click the **Password** field, type your password and click **Confirm**.
4. Open your authenticator app and scan the QR code.

![Screen recording. Under Security Settings, click Enable 2FA. Confirm your password. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app.](https://helpcenter-io.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/self/eNDXdcRojjKKfrwi9ogU3JZeXJTzEoYnGoXXoGJy.gif)
Your app now shows a new 6-digit code for HelpCenter.io every 30 seconds.

1. Type the code your app shows into **Enter verification code**, then click **Submit**.
2. Click **Show 2FA Recovery Codes**, then **Download Recovery Codes**, and keep the file somewhere safe.

![Screen recording. Type the code your app shows, then click Submit. Save your recovery codes somewhere safe.](https://helpcenter-io.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/self/I4A8AjTQIEkFJ9HKXoQUhiTX4zkvL4CStjxXpuEP.gif)
Security Settings now shows two-factor authentication as Enabled.

**If you lose your phone:** the sign-in page doesn't accept recovery codes, so contact our support team to get back into your account. See [I lost my authenticator device](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/lost-two-factor-device).

## Sign in with 2FA

From now on, after your email and password, or after **Continue with Google**, the **Enter your code** page asks for a code. Type the code your app shows under **Authentication code** and click **Verify and continue**.

## Turn off 2FA

1. In **Account Settings**, under **Security Settings**, click **Disable 2FA**.
2. Type your password and click **Confirm**.

You can then delete the HelpCenter.io entry from your authenticator app.

## Troubleshooting

**"That code was not accepted. Check your authenticator app and try again."** Codes change every 30 seconds, so type the one showing now. If codes keep failing, check that your phone sets its date and time automatically.

**Nothing happens when you type your password to confirm.** Click inside the **Password** field first, then type.

**You left before entering a code.** Open **Account Settings** again. The QR code is still there, so you can finish setting up.

**Too many wrong codes at sign-in.** Wait a minute, then try again.

## Related articles

- [Change or reset your password](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/change-your-password)
- [I lost my authenticator device](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/lost-two-factor-device)