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Setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an optional security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your Pixieset account. With 2FA turned on, you will be prompted to enter a unique code from an authentication app each time you log in from an unrecognized device or location. In this article, we will go over how to turn 2FA on and off, how to sign in with 2FA, along with some general troubleshooting tips.

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Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication

Before you can set up Two-Factor Authentication for your account, you will need to download an authenticator app to your smartphone. We recommend Google Authenticator, which is available for Android and iOS devices, but you can use any compatible authenticator app (e.g. Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, or OTP Auth). If you are using an iPhone, you can also set up 2FA using the built-in authentication available in iOS.

Steps:

  1. From your Dashboard, go to your Profile Icon at the top right, and then Account.

  2. Scroll down to the Account Security section and turn on Two-Factor Authentication.

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  3. A QR Code will appear. Open the authenticator app on your mobile device, and scan the QR Code. If you prefer to use the built-in verification on your iPhone, go to Settings > Passwords and go to your saved Pixieset password; under Account Options, tap Set Up Verification Code and select Scan QR Code.

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  4. Enter the 6-digit code displayed on your phone into the ‘Code’ field, and click Verify Code.

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  5. Important: You will then be given a list of backup codes, which can be used to log in if you lose access to your phone or your authenticator app.

Please take note of your backup codes and store them in a safe location; not within Pixieset or on your mobile device. These codes should be treated as “emergency” codes that can get you logged in if you lose access to your phone or authenticator app. Do not use these codes unless you need to, as each code can only be used once.

Signing in with Two-Factor Authentication

When you have Two-Factor Authentication turned on for your account, you will be prompted to enter an authentication code when logging in from an unrecognized device or location.

Steps:

  1. Open the authenticator app on your mobile device, and locate the 6-digit code displayed for Pixieset. If 2FA was set up with your iPhone’s built-in verification, go to Settings > Passwords, locate Pixieset, and locate the 6-digit code in the Verification Code section.

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  2. Type the code into the field provided on the login page. Do not include any spaces or additional characters. Then, click Verify Code.
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Important: Your authenticator app will generate a new code every 30 seconds, and each code will only be valid for 60 seconds before it expires. If you are unable to log in with your code, please check your authenticator app to see if a new code has been generated. Then, try the new code.

Turning Two-Factor Authentication Off

You can turn Two-Factor Authentication off at any time from your Account page.

Steps:

  1. From your Dashboard, click the Profile Icon at the top right, and then Account.

  2. Go to the "Account Security" section and turn off the Two-Factor Authentication toggle.

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  3. Enter your password, then click Confirm.

Tip: If you turn off 2FA on your account, you may also want to delete Pixieset from your authenticator app. That way, if you choose to turn 2FA on again in the future, you can ensure there are not multiple codes being generated.

Troubleshooting

I can’t install the authenticator app

You must have access to a smartphone in order to set up Two-Factor Authentication on your Pixieset account. This is because you will need to download a compatible authenticator app to your phone, such as Google Authenticator, to generate the codes. If you are having issues with the app itself, please reach out to the app provider.

I lost access to my phone or the authenticator app

If you no longer have access to your mobile device, you can refer to the list of backup codes that were provided when you initially set up Two-Factor Authentication. These backup codes can be used in the event that you are unable to access your authenticator app, and each backup code can only be used once.

 

Alternatively, if your authenticator app supports cloud syncing, you can download the app on a separate device to generate your cloud-synced codes.

 

Tip: If you’re actively logged into your Pixieset Account on a different device, you can temporarily turn off Two-Factor Authentication from your Account page. Then you’ll be able to access your account from the new device without needing to enter a code. Remember to turn 2FA back on when you’re done.

 

I did not receive my code

Our Two-Factor Authentication system is connected to an authenticator app; the code is not provided via text or email. When you first set up 2FA, you would have scanned a QR Code into an authenticator app on your phone. This app is what generates the authentication codes for you to get logged in. If you’re not able to locate the app, you could try searching your phone for an “auth” app; the most popular ones are Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy. 2FA might also be set up with your iPhone’s built-in verification; go to Settings > Passwords and locate Pixieset to find the 6-digit code required to log in.

Note: If you are trying to log in and a verification code is required, this is a standard security check whenever the system detects a login from a new location or device, separate from Two-Factor Authentication. This specific code is sent to you via email.

If you’re still having trouble accessing your account using Two-Factor Authentication, please reach out to our Support Team for assistance.