Two-factor authentication (2FA) codes act as a layer of security to protect your login information from hackers. It’s like a vigilant guard. It is very useful in case your password is compromised because the hacker won’t have the 2FA code. A popular 2FA code generator Authy offers some advanced features not found in apps like Microsoft Authenticator. But what if Authy codes don’t work when you need them most?
As a result, you cannot log in and access your account. That is ironic. Although the problem seems serious, there are ways to fix it. Without further ado, we should check out some solutions that can help you restore your security.
Let’s get started.
1. Check Authy . account details
Open the app and tap the Settings icon at the top with a gear shape. The screenshot below is from Authy for iPhone, and the layout might be a little different if you’re using an Android phone.
You’ll see your Authy account ID, email ID, and mobile phone number you used to create this account in the My Account tab. Everything looks good? The phone number used to set up the 2FA code must match the phone number used to register the Authy account. You can request a change to your phone number if you used a different number to scan the said account.
2. Use backup codes
Any app, website, or service that offers two-factor authentication provides a backup code at creation time. You should record it in a safe place, preferably offline or online with strong encryption, in case of an emergency. Normally, the backup code will show up after you scan the QR code with the Authy app. Try one of the backup codes to sign in until you can fix the Authentication Code not working error.
3. Time Synchronization
Time is of the essence when it comes to 2-factor authentication apps like Authy. Have you noticed how a new code/token is generated every 30 seconds? Time plays an important role here, and the time on your smartphone must be properly synchronized with the official time.
Are you manually synchronizing the time, don’t want to use the internet to set or move to a different time zone? You need to set the correct time in Settings > Additional settings > Date & time.
Enable Automatic Date & Time and Auto Time Zone. Location and options may vary slightly based on the device you are using.
Google recently updated the Authenticator app with an option to automatically sync and correct your smartphone’s time settings. Maybe, Authy will follow suit.
4. Clear cache and data
To be safe, you should clear the cache and data of the Authy app and start fresh. This method will only work for Android users as there is no way to clear cache in iPhone and iPad.
Step 1: Open Settings > Applications > Manage Applications and search for Authy. Choose it.
Step 2: Tap on Clear data at the bottom of the screen and select both Clear all data and Clear cache options.
5. Use the multi-device option
Well, it only applies to those using a multi-device setup where Authy is installed on multiple smartphones. Some users prefer to have multiple Authy accounts to keep their work and personal lives separate.
Ideally, you should see the same authentication ID on all devices for the code to sync correctly. If you see different IDs, your primary ID (Authy account) is the one that also carries your current phone number. You can check as instructed in point 1 above.
Step 1: For the 2FA code that doesn’t work on your primary Authy account, log in to that 2FA account’s website (e.g. Facebook) and use the 2FA code on another device or your second device. you to log in. You can also use a backup code. Then turn off the 2FA code option.
Step 2: Open your main Authy account on your smartphone and remove all devices except the one that says This device in Settings > Devices.
Step 3: You will now re-add the 2FA account just like you did before to make sure everything is in sync.
Step 4: Enable the Multi-device option if not already enabled, allow syncing of newly added accounts, then uninstall and reinstall Authy on your main device.
For now, the 2FA code should be synced on both devices, will show the same code on both devices at the same time, and both will work for you when you sign in.
Note: You can also contact Authy support. They are very responsive and can arrange it for you.
In the code we trust
Authy is a great cross-platform 2FA app, free, and packed with features that make life easier. However, different users have different needs. And it’s wise to have a backup plan. Here’s what I do.
I scanned the same 2FA code with both Authy and Google Authenticator on two separate phones. It’s not like I lost both phones or access to both apps at the same time. Not to mention Authy also features cloud backup and multi-device. One of the phones is a backup phone that stays safe in my office drawer, so I’ll never lose it until my house burns down. And then there’s the fallback code. Now you may call me paranoid, but that’s me.
Next: Looking for Authy alternatives? Here are 5 two-factor authentication apps that work on both Android and iOS phones.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
