How to 2FA Using an App on Your Phone.
1. Go to Your Account Settings
Click your username in the top-right, then choose:
Account > Password and security
2. Enable Two-Step Verification (if reset)
Under Two-step verification, click Enable.
Choose the Time-based one-time password (TOTP) option.
This works with apps like:
3. Scan the QR Code with Your App
Open your authenticator app and scan the QR code shown on PCF.
Note: If you're doing this on your phone, you won’t be able to scan the QR code using the same device. Instead, tap the option to enter the key manually. The key will be shown below the QR code.
4. Enter the 6-Digit Code
Your app will now generate a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Enter the current code to complete setup.
5. Save Your Backup Codes
After enabling 2FA, you’ll receive a set of one-time use backup codes.
*Very Important* Save these codes in a secure place (write them down, print them, or store them in a password manager). Each code can only be used once to log in if you lose access to your authenticator app or can’t receive your login email.
To use a backup code:
On the login screen where it asks for your 2FA code, enter one of your unused backup codes instead.
If You Use a Backup Code to Log In...
If you log in using a backup code, that usually means something went wrong with your 2FA setup, such as:
After logging in, go to Account > Password and security and:
1. Go to Your Account Settings
Click your username in the top-right, then choose:
Account > Password and security
2. Enable Two-Step Verification (if reset)
Under Two-step verification, click Enable.
Choose the Time-based one-time password (TOTP) option.
This works with apps like:
- Google Authenticator
- Microsoft Authenticator
3. Scan the QR Code with Your App
Open your authenticator app and scan the QR code shown on PCF.
Note: If you're doing this on your phone, you won’t be able to scan the QR code using the same device. Instead, tap the option to enter the key manually. The key will be shown below the QR code.
4. Enter the 6-Digit Code
Your app will now generate a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Enter the current code to complete setup.
5. Save Your Backup Codes
After enabling 2FA, you’ll receive a set of one-time use backup codes.
*Very Important* Save these codes in a secure place (write them down, print them, or store them in a password manager). Each code can only be used once to log in if you lose access to your authenticator app or can’t receive your login email.
To use a backup code:
On the login screen where it asks for your 2FA code, enter one of your unused backup codes instead.
If You Use a Backup Code to Log In...
If you log in using a backup code, that usually means something went wrong with your 2FA setup, such as:
- You got a new phone and didn’t transfer or back up your 2FA codes/app
- You deleted the authenticator app
- You aren’t receiving the 2FA email
After logging in, go to Account > Password and security and:
- Re-link your authenticator app
- Set up a new 2FA method
- Update your email address if needed
