Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for every user account. You'll need an authenticator app on your phone before you can finish signing in for the first time. If you don't have one already, setting up an authenticator app takes about two minutes.
What an authenticator app does
An authenticator app generates a new six-digit code every 30 seconds for each account you link to it. When you sign in to the tool, you enter your password and then the current code from the app.
You can use any of these free apps, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play:
There are many other authenticator apps available. Any authenticator app using the open TOTP standard will work.
If you already use one of these for other accounts, use the same app for this tool.
How to set up and use your authenticator app
We recommend starting on a computer or tablet, so you can scan the on-screen QR code with your phone.
- Install your chosen authenticator app on your phone.
- Follow the steps in The sign up process and multi-factor authentication for individuals, up to the QR code step.
- In your authenticator app, choose to add a new account and scan the QR code shown on screen. Our tool will appear in the app's list — you can rename the entry if you wish.
- Finish the sign-up process.
- Each time you sign in, enter your password, then enter the current code from your authenticator app when asked.
Before you lose or replace your phone
- Back up your app. Microsoft, Google and Proton authenticators each offer an account backup or sync option. Turn it on so your authenticator moves with you to a new phone.
- Save the recovery codes provided during setup and keep them somewhere secure (e.g. a password manager), not on the same phone.
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