# Set up an authenticator app
Source: https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/authenticator-app-setup
Last reviewed: 2026-07-02
Summary: Turn on app-based two-factor codes (TOTP) so you sign in with a 6-digit code from an app instead of waiting for an email.

## What this is

Your account is always protected by two-factor authentication. By default we email you a one-time code at each sign-in. You can replace those emails with an **authenticator app** (like Google Authenticator) that generates a 6-digit code on your phone. App codes are faster, work offline, and don't depend on email delivery. Set it up at https://vpsdime.com/2fa.

You only need to set this up once.

## Before you start

- You'll need to be signed in to your account.
- Install an authenticator app on your phone if you don't have one: **Google Authenticator**, **Authy**, **1Password**, or any other TOTP app.

## Steps

1. Go to **My Account → Two-Factor Authentication**.
2. You'll see **"Email login codes are on."** Click **Set up an authenticator app**.
3. The **"Set up your authenticator app"** panel opens with a QR code.
4. In your authenticator app, add a new account and **scan the QR code**. (Can't scan? Under the QR there's a **"Can't scan? Enter this key manually:"** line with a key you can type into the app instead.)
5. Your app now shows a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Type the current code into the **6-digit code** box and click **Verify & enable**.
6. We'll show you a **backup code**. Write it down and keep it safe (see *What you'll see* below). Click **I've saved it** when done.

That's it. From now on, signing in will ask for the code from your app instead of emailing you one.

## What you'll see

- **Status card:** before setup it reads *"Email login codes are on."* After setup it reads *"Authenticator app is on,"* with **Regenerate backup code** and **Remove authenticator app** buttons.
- **Setup panel:** a QR code, a manual entry key beneath it, and a **Verify & enable** button (plus **Cancel**).

![The "Set up your authenticator app" panel with a QR code, a manual entry key below it, a 6-digit code box, and a Verify & enable button](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/images/cropped/2fa-setup-panel.png)

- **Backup code panel ("Save your backup code"):** a single one-time code shown **once**. The page warns: *"Store it somewhere safe. It won't be shown again."* This code lets you sign in if you ever lose your phone. Save it before clicking **I've saved it**.

![The "Save your backup code" panel showing a one-time backup code and an "I've saved it" button](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/images/cropped/2fa-backup-code-panel.png)

## Troubleshooting

- **"That code did not match" / the code isn't accepted.** Authenticator codes are time-based, so this is almost always your phone's clock being slightly off. Turn on automatic date & time on your phone, then try the current code again. Also make sure you're typing the latest code (it changes every 30 seconds) with no spaces.
- **You can't scan the QR code.** Use the **"Enter this key manually"** key shown under the QR, then add the account in your app by typing that key instead.
- **It says an authenticator app is already active.** You've already set one up. To switch to a new phone or app, first click **Remove authenticator app**, then set it up again.
- **You set up the app but lost or replaced your phone.** Sign in using the **backup code** you saved during setup, then go to **My Account → Two-Factor Authentication** and remove or re-set the authenticator. If you don't have your backup code either, see [I can't sign in](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/cant-sign-in).

## Still need help?

You can [open a support ticket](https://vpsdime.com/open-ticket/). So we can help on the first reply, it's worth mentioning:

- the email address you sign in with,
- which authenticator app you're using (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.),
- what happens and the exact message you see (a screenshot of the screen is ideal).

## Related questions

- "How do I turn on two-factor authentication?"
- "How do I set up Google Authenticator / Authy / 1Password?"
- "How do I use an app for my login codes instead of email?"
- "Where do I add 2FA to my account?"
- "My authenticator code isn't working."