# How do I set up two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Update: With two-factor authentication (2FA), you can double-protect your personal sipgate account. In addition to your normal password, 2FA requires you to confirm the login with another device.

A practical example: On your computer, you log in as usual with your email address and password.

In the second step, you will simultaneously be shown a six-digit code on your smartphone or tablet. You then enter this code on the computer as well, and only then are you logged in. In the following article, we explain step by step how to configure and use two-factor authentication.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Install app**

First, you need a **Authenticator app**.

For this article, we have installed the **Google Authenticator** app on an iPhone. You can download it free of charge from the App Store or the Google Play Store. However, you can also use other apps and devices.

{% hint style="info" %}
Confirmation via SMS is not possible, because the delivery process is insecure and reliable network reception is required.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Configure 2FA**

![sipgate help center user5.png](/files/46a6dc3a67cf07833f615a6ff3b7e9dbbc2d8c6f)

\--> Log in to your account

\--> Open the **user settings**

\--> Click on the gear icon next to **Two-factor authentication**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Synchronize device**

![Screenshot\_2022-03-02\_at\_14.00.35.png](/files/776f22ddfa706ebf9ffa8ada051ad99872fc49ed)

As soon as you have started the configuration, a QR code will be displayed.

\--> Open the Authenticator app on your smartphone/tablet in parallel and scan the QR code. Alternatively, you can also have a numeric key displayed, which you can enter manually in your Authenticator app.

\--> Once you have completed this step, the app will show you a confirmation code. You must enter this on the computer and then give your device a name—for example Philipp iPhone.

\--> Click on **Complete activation** and you have successfully configured two-factor authentication.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Login with 2FA**

![2fa-04-v1.jpg](/files/ce8ac210cd55a4f18e1b1067edc2eac3a8d11155)

\--> First, enter your email address and password as usual.

![2fa-05-v2.jpg](/files/6056818acf96ca119cbe96144c77ac8e143b2a5b)

\--> Now you need the six-digit code for two-factor authentication. To do this, simply open the **Authenticator app** on your smartphone/tablet.

![2fa-06-v1.jpg](/files/3a046caa9326996fe8914dafcf16b497155e346b)

\--> Simply enter the code shown on the computer and you are logged in.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
In the **Google Authenticator app** you can see a running clock on the right next to the code. As soon as this clock runs out, a new code is created and the old code expires.
{% endhint %}

So you actually have to enter it fairly quickly, but it is precisely this aspect that makes two-factor authentication very secure.

And don't worry: if you were a little too slow, just enter the new code.

{% hint style="info" %}
If verification via the Authenticator app is not possible because users do not have access to the app, two-factor authentication can be temporarily deactivated. To do this, contact [contact form](https://help.sipgate.de/hc/de/requests/new?ticket_form_id=55321#anfrage) customer support. A login is then [only with the password](https://help.sipgate.de/hc/de/articles/8338966260125) possible.
{% endhint %}


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