How can I activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for my account?

Article author
Rodney Rasmussen
  • Updated

This article walks you through setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Remote account. 2FA adds a second verification step when you sign in, helping protect your account even if someone else has your password.

2FA is now required for all Remote accounts. If you have not set up 2FA yet, you will be prompted to do so the next time you sign in. For more details, see Mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) at Remote.

What is 2FA and when is it required?

2FA adds a second step to your login process. After entering your email and password, Remote asks you to enter a six-digit verification code from your authenticator app. This prevents unauthorized access to your account, even if your password is compromised.

Remote recommends 2FA for all accounts, and it is required for users who receive salary or payments through the platform.

Which authenticator apps can I use?

If you do not already have an authenticator app, download one to your mobile device, browser, or desktop. Here are some popular options:

You can also use a password manager that includes an authenticator feature, such as 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane.

iPhone users: iOS can save 2FA codes automatically in your Passwords vault. When you scan a QR code, your iPhone may offer to save the code there instead of a separate app.

How do I enable 2FA in my Remote account?

You can turn on 2FA at any time from your account settings. If Remote or your company requires 2FA, you will be taken directly to the QR code step when you sign in.

  1. Sign in to your Remote account.
  2. Select your profile icon and go to Account settings.
  3. Open the Security tab.
  4. Select Set up two-factor authentication.
Account Settings.png

How do I scan the QR code?

After you enable 2FA, a QR code appears on screen.

  1. Open your authenticator app.
  2. Tap Add account (or the + icon).
  3. Choose Scan a QR code.
  4. Point your camera at the QR code on your Remote screen.
Do not refresh or close the page while the QR code is displayed. If the page reloads, the QR code resets and the code you already scanned will no longer work.

Can't scan the QR code? Select Enter a setup key manually below the QR code and type the alphanumeric key into your authenticator app. This works on any device, including desktops and tablets. You can also paste the key into a desktop authenticator app (such as Authy Desktop), a browser extension (such as Microsoft Authenticator), or a password manager with an authenticator feature (such as 1Password or Bitwarden).

How do I enter the verification code?

Your authenticator app now displays a six-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds.

  1. Enter the six-digit code in the field on the Remote screen.
  2. Select Continue.

Once verified, 2FA is active on your account. Remote will ask for a new code from your authenticator app every time you sign in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why am I getting a "Wrong authenticator code" error?

This error usually means the time on your device is out of sync with the Remote server. 2FA codes are time-sensitive, so even a few seconds of difference can cause a mismatch.

1. Sync your date and time

Make sure your device clock is set to update automatically:

  • On your phone or computer, go to Settings > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically.
  • Android users: In the Google Authenticator app, tap Settings > Time correction for codes > Sync now.

2. Refresh your browser

Old cached data can sometimes interfere with validation:

  • Clear your browser cache and cookies.
  • Try signing in using an Incognito or Private window.

3. Check for duplicate accounts in your authenticator app

If you set up 2FA more than once, your app may have multiple entries for Remote. Make sure you are using the code labeled Remote: [your email address]. Delete any duplicate or outdated entries.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, see Guide to resolving common two-factor authentication (2FA) errors for additional help.

Can I use the same authenticator app for multiple accounts?

Yes. Authenticator apps support multiple accounts at the same time. Each account has its own label and code. Your Remote code will be labeled as Remote: [your email address].

What if I lose my phone or can't access my authenticator app?

You can reset your 2FA directly from the Remote login screen. Select Reset 2FA and complete the secure identity verification process. After that, you can set up 2FA again on your new device.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see How to reset your two-factor authentication (2FA).

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