Set up an authenticator app

An authenticator app on your phone shows a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds. When you sign in, you type the code it shows. Any app that supports standard time-based codes works, for example:

Google Authenticator;

Microsoft Authenticator;

1Password;

Authy;

Bitwarden.

Before you start

Install the app on your phone.

Make sure your phone sets its time automatically. The codes depend on the clock, and a phone that is a few minutes off gives codes that don't work.

Steps

Open My profile and go to Two-factor authentication.

Next to Authenticator app, click Set up.

You may be asked to confirm it's you first, if you signed in a while ago.

In your app, add a new account and scan the QR code.

Set up an authenticator app: scan the QR code, then enter the 6-digit code

Can't scan it? Type the setup key shown next to the QR code into the app instead. Copy puts the key on your clipboard without the spaces. The spaces only make it easier to read.

The app now shows a 6-digit code for Shorter Loop. Type it into step 2, then click Turn on.

Save your recovery codes. See Recovery codes. The dialog stays open until you click Download, Print or Copy. Only then can you click I have saved my recovery codes.

Your 16 recovery codes. Save them before you continue

Two-factor authentication is now On:

Two-factor authentication is on, with an authenticator app and 16 recovery codes

We email you to say two-factor authentication was turned on. See Security emails.

If the code doesn't work

That code did not work. Check the time on your phone and try again.

Wait for a fresh code. A code only works for its own 30 seconds, plus a little allowance either side.

Check your phone's clock. Turn on automatic date and time in your phone's settings.

Check the account in the app. If you scanned an earlier QR code, delete that entry and scan the one on screen now.

The setup was started again somewhere else. Each Set up makes a new QR code and replaces the one before it. If you started again in another tab or browser, the older dialog says "This setup has expired. Start again." Close it and use the newest QR code.

Good to know

You can have one authenticator app at a time. To move to a new phone or app, use Change app. See Manage your two-factor methods.

Each code works once. If someone sees a code you have just used, they cannot use it again.

The setup key is stored encrypted. Nobody at Shorter Loop can read your codes.

Add a passkey or a security key: quicker than typing codes

Signing in with two-factor authentication

Before you start#

Steps#

If the code doesn't work#

Good to know#

Related#

Before you start

Steps

If the code doesn't work

Good to know

Related