# Backup codes
Source: https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/backup-codes
Last reviewed: 2026-07-02
Summary: What your two-factor backup code is, how to sign in with it if you lose your authenticator app, and how to get a new one.

## What this is

A **backup code** is a one-time code that lets you sign in if you ever lose access to your authenticator app. You're shown one when you set up the app, and a fresh one each time you use it. Keep it somewhere safe and separate from your phone. Manage it at https://vpsdime.com/2fa.

Backup codes apply when you're using an **authenticator app**. (On email login codes, your recovery is simply your email inbox.)

## Steps

**Using a backup code to sign in**
1. Sign in with your password (or Google/GitHub). On the **"Verify It's You"** screen, choose the option to sign in **with a backup code** instead of the app.
2. Enter your saved backup code.
3. You're signed in. We immediately **replace** the used code and show you a new one on a **"Save your new backup code"** screen, so write it down before continuing.

![The "Verify It's You" screen with a Backup Code field and a Login button](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/images/cropped/backup-code-login-form.png)

**Getting a fresh code any time**
- Go to **My Account → Two-Factor Authentication** and click **Regenerate backup code**. You'll confirm your password, and we'll show the new code once.

## What you'll see

- During app setup, a **"Save your backup code"** box: *"Store it somewhere safe. It won't be shown again."*
- After using one to sign in, a **"Save your new backup code"** screen with the replacement and an **I've saved it, continue** button.
- A backup code is four short groups, e.g. `abcd 1234 ef56 7890`.

## Troubleshooting

- **My backup code didn't work.** Backup codes are single-use. If you've already used it, the old one no longer works, so use the newest one we showed you afterward. Spaces don't matter, but make sure you're using the most recent code.
- **I lost both my phone and my backup code.** You'll need our help to safely restore access. See [I can't sign in](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/cant-sign-in) and open a ticket below.
- **I want a fresh code but don't remember setting one up.** If you're on email login codes (not an app), there are no backup codes; your recovery is your email. See [Two-factor authentication](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/two-factor-overview).

## 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 on your account,
- whether you still have your authenticator app or have lost it,
- a screenshot of the screen you're stuck on.

## Related questions

- "How do I use a backup code?"
- "I lost my phone, how do I get in?"
- "How do I get a new backup code?"
- "My backup code isn't working."