# Two-factor authentication (overview)
Source: https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/two-factor-overview
Last reviewed: 2026-07-02
Summary: How two-factor authentication works at VPSDime, with email login codes by default and the option to switch to an authenticator app.

## What this is

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step after your password, so a leaked password alone can't get into your account. **Every VPSDime account has 2FA on.** You can't turn it off, but you choose *how* you receive the second step: Manage it at https://vpsdime.com/2fa.

- **Email login codes (default).** At each sign-in we email you a 6-digit code to enter. Nothing to set up.
- **Authenticator app (optional upgrade).** An app on your phone (Google Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, …) generates the code instantly, even with no internet, and no waiting on email.

You can switch from email codes to an app, and back, at any time.

## Steps

- To see or change your method, go to **My Account → Two-Factor Authentication**.
- To switch to an app, follow [Set up an authenticator app](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/authenticator-app-setup).
- To go back to email codes, open the same page and choose **Remove authenticator app**. Your account falls back to email codes automatically.

## What you'll see

On **My Account → Two-Factor Authentication** there's a status card that reads either:
- **"Email login codes are on"** with a **Set up an authenticator app** button, or

![The Two-Factor Authentication status card reading "Email login codes are on" with a Set up an authenticator app button](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/images/cropped/2fa-status-email.png)

- **"Authenticator app is on"** with **Regenerate backup code** and **Remove authenticator app** buttons.

![The Two-Factor Authentication status card reading "Authenticator app is on" with Regenerate backup code and Remove authenticator app buttons](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/images/cropped/2fa-status-app.png)

## Troubleshooting

- **Can I turn 2FA off completely?** No. For account safety it's always on. You can switch between email codes and an app, but one of them is always active.
- **I'm not getting my email codes.** See [Email login codes](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/email-login-codes), or switch to an [authenticator app](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/authenticator-app-setup) so codes don't depend on email.
- **I lost my authenticator app.** Use a [backup code](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/account/backup-codes) to get in, then reset your method. No 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,
- whether you're on email codes or an authenticator app,
- what you're seeing (a screenshot helps).

## Related questions

- "How does two-factor authentication work here?"
- "Can I disable 2FA?"
- "What's the difference between email codes and an authenticator app?"
- "How do I change my 2FA method?"