Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra step when you log in: a code from an authenticator app on your phone. So even if someone gets hold of your password, they can't get into your account without that code.

Turn on 2FA for your account

You'll need an authenticator app on your phone, like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. We don't send codes by text message.

1. If you don't have an authenticator app yet, install one.
2. In our app, go to your account settings, choose to turn on two-factor authentication and enter your password.
3. Scan the code on your screen with the authenticator app.
4. Enter the 6-digit code from the app to confirm.

Tip: have your authenticator app ready before you start. Once you begin, you need to finish the setup before you can use the rest of the app.

Require 2FA for everyone in your company

You can make 2FA mandatory for your whole team with the company setting "Require two-factor authentication" in your company settings.

When it's on:

• Everyone in your company has to set up 2FA before they can keep using the app.
• Anyone who hasn't set it up yet is asked to do so the next time they use the app.
• If someone turns 2FA off on their own account, the app asks them to set it up again right away.

We recommend it if several people share access to your business numbers, calls and voicemails.

Turning 2FA off (and why it keeps asking)

Turned off 2FA, and the app asks you to set it up again right away? That means your company requires 2FA for everyone. Your own setting can't override the company requirement.

To make 2FA optional:

1. Someone turns off "Require two-factor authentication" in the company settings.
2. Then you turn off 2FA in your account settings. You'll need your password.

The order matters. If you turn off your own 2FA first, the company requirement sends you straight back into setup.

Save your backup codes

When you turn on 2FA, you get a list of backup codes. Save them somewhere safe, like a password manager. Each code works once, and you can use one instead of the 6-digit code when you log in.

Lost or new phone

Lost the phone with your authenticator app, or got a new one without moving the app over? Log in with one of your backup codes instead of the code from the app.

No backup codes left? A colleague can reset your 2FA under Employees: they open your details, choose "Reset 2FA" and confirm with their own password. You're then logged out everywhere and can set up 2FA again on your new phone.

Work on your own, with no colleague who can help? Write to support@phone.inc, and we'll help you get back in.

To avoid this next time, move your authenticator app to your new phone before you reset or hand in the old one. Many authenticator apps also have a backup option.

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