How to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) with mobile push notifications

In this article, we explain how to use mobile push notifications in the Remote app to approve your login. This is a quick and secure way to complete two-factor authentication (2FA) without entering a code.

What to know before you start

• You must first set up an authenticator app that uses one-time passcodes (TOTP) before adding mobile push 
• Make sure your Remote mobile app is updated to version 16.8.0 or later 
• Make sure biometrics are enabled on your phone, such as face recognition or fingerprint unlock
• If 2FA is required for your profile, you can’t turn it off

See also: How do I download the Remote employee mobile app?

See also: Mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) at Remote

What is mobile push 2FA?

Mobile push 2FA helps confirm your identity when you sign in on the web. After entering your login details, you’ll receive a notification on your phone. You can approve or deny the request directly in the Remote app.

How to turn on mobile push 2FA

1. Sign in to your Remote account at employ.remote.com using a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge or your favorite browser
2. Go to Your account in the top-right corner
3. Select Account settings
4. Open the Security tab
5. Under Multi-factor authentication (MFA), go to Remote app and select Turn on
6. Scan the QR code shown on the screen
7. Open the Remote app and sign in to finish setup

ℹ️ Once setup is complete, mobile push becomes your default 2FA method for web login.

ℹ️ Important: This step only works if biometrics are enabled on your device.

How to change your default 2FA method

If you prefer to use an authenticator app instead:

1. Go to the Security tab
2. Under Multi-factor authentication (MFA), go to Authenticator app and select Turn on

Once confirmed, future web logins will use Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) by default. These are unique 6-digit codes generated by your preferred authenticator app.

Mobile push will still be available as a backup method as long as you remain signed in on your mobile device.

How mobile push 2FA works

When you sign in on the web:

1. Enter your email and password
2. You’ll receive a push notification on your phone
3. Open the Remote app
4. Tap Approve to continue

Tap Deny if you did not start the login request. This will block access.

Note: If you sign in using single sign-on (SSO), you’ll only be asked to complete 2FA if it’s required for your profile. If it’s not required, you’ll go directly to your dashboard.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

I didn’t receive the push notification. What should I do?

Check your notification settings. If push notifications are turned off, you can still sign in by opening the app manually. You’ll see the approve or deny screen there.

I prefer to use my authenticator app. What should I do?

You can change your default method to TOTP in your 2FA settings. Under Multi-factor authentication (MFA), go to Authenticator app and select Turn on.

Why do I still need TOTP if I use push notifications?

Using more than one 2FA method helps with account recovery if you lose access to one of them.

Nothing happens after I scan the QR code. What should I do?

Make sure biometrics are enabled on your device, such as Face ID or fingerprint unlock. If biometrics are turned off, mobile push 2FA will not be available. You can still sign in using a TOTP provider such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or your phone’s password manager. These apps generate the 6-digit code needed for 2FA.