🔐Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Secure your CrowdWork account with two-factor authentication (2FA). This guide walks through enabling, using, and managing 2FA for enhanced account security

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your CrowdWork account by requiring a one-time code from your authenticator app when you sign in. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone obtains your password.

Enhanced Security: With 2FA enabled, signing into your account requires both your password AND a code from your authenticator app, making your account significantly more secure.

What You'll Need

Before enabling 2FA, make sure you have:

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

Step 1: Access Settings

You can enable 2FA from two locations:

Option A: From Dashboard Notification

If you see the "Secure Your Account" notification on your Dashboard:

  1. Click the Enable 2FA button in the notification

  2. Skip ahead to Step 2: Scan QR Code

Option B: From User Settings

To access settings from anywhere in your account:

  1. Click your email address in the top-right corner

  2. Select Settings from the dropdown menu

  3. Scroll down to the Two-Factor Authentication section

  1. Click the Enable 2FA button

Step 2: Scan QR Code

After clicking Enable 2FA, you'll see the setup screen:

  1. Open your authenticator app on your mobile device

  2. Scan the QR code displayed on screen

    • Look for an "Add" or "+" button in your authenticator app

    • Select "Scan QR code" or "Scan barcode"

    • Point your camera at the QR code on your computer screen

Can't scan the QR code? Click the copy button near the "Manual secret" then paste the code into your authenticator app instead. Keep this secret safe - it can be used to set up your authenticator on a new device if needed.

Step 3: Verify & Enable

After adding CrowdWork to your authenticator app:

  1. Your authenticator app will display a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds

  2. Enter the current 6-digit code in the verification boxes

  3. Click Verify & Enable 2FA to complete setup

Setup Complete! Two-factor authentication is now active on your account. You'll need to enter a code from your authenticator app each time you sign in.

Using Two-Factor Authentication

Signing In With 2FA

Once 2FA is enabled, your sign-in process includes an extra step:

  1. Go to crowdwork.com/users/sign_in

  2. Enter your email address and password as usual

  3. You'll be prompted for your authentication code

  4. Open your authenticator app and enter the current 6-digit code

  5. Click Sign In to complete the process

Authentication codes expire quickly: Each code is only valid for about 30 seconds. If you see the code timer running out in your app, wait for a fresh code before entering it.

Troubleshooting Sign-In Issues

Code not working?

  • Make sure you're entering the current code from your authenticator app

  • Wait for a fresh code if the timer is almost expired

  • Check that your device's time is set correctly (authenticator apps rely on accurate time)

  • Verify you're entering the code for the correct account

Lost access to your authenticator app?

  • Contact CrowdWork support for assistance recovering your account

  • We'll need to verify your identity before disabling 2FA

Managing Two-Factor Authentication

Checking 2FA Status

To verify if 2FA is enabled on your account:

  1. Click your email address in the top-right corner

  2. Select Settings

  3. Scroll to the Two-Factor Authentication section

  4. You'll see either:

    • "Enable 2FA" button if 2FA is disabled

    • "Enabled" badge with "Disable 2FA" button if 2FA is active

Disabling Two-Factor Authentication

Security Note: Disabling 2FA reduces your account security. Only disable it if absolutely necessary.

To turn off 2FA:

  1. Navigate to Settings (click your email address → Settings)

  2. Find the Two-Factor Authentication card

  3. Click the Disable 2FA button

  4. Confirm you want to disable two-factor authentication

Once disabled, you'll only need your password to sign in.

Setting Up 2FA on a New Device

If you get a new phone or need to set up 2FA on a different device:

Option 1: Transfer via authenticator app

  • Most authenticator apps support transferring accounts to new devices

  • Check your app's documentation for specific transfer instructions

Option 2: Disable and re-enable 2FA

  1. Disable 2FA on your account

  2. Install your authenticator app on your new device

  3. Enable 2FA again and scan the new QR code

Option 3: Use the manual secret

  • If you saved the secret code from initial setup, enter it into your authenticator app on the new device

  • This recreates your 2FA setup without needing to disable and re-enable

Best Practices

Keep Your Account Secure

  • Save the secret code when enabling 2FA - store it securely like a password

  • Don't share your authentication codes - they're as sensitive as passwords

  • Keep your authenticator app backed up - many apps offer cloud backup features

  • Use a password manager - secure your password alongside your 2FA backup

If You Lose Access

If you lose access to your authenticator app:

  1. Try recovering using your authenticator app's backup features

  2. If you saved your secret code, enter it into a new authenticator app

  3. If neither works, contact support for account recovery assistance

Account Recovery: For security reasons, we'll need to verify your identity before helping disable 2FA. This process protects your account from unauthorized access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is 2FA required for my CrowdWork account? A: No, 2FA is optional but highly recommended. It significantly increases your account security.

Q: Can I use the same authenticator app for multiple CrowdWork accounts? A: Yes! Most authenticator apps support renaming the account inside their app. This can help you distinguish between your different CrowdWork accounts.

Q: Can I use an authenticator app that I already have? A: Yes! All authenticator apps we've tested support adding accounts for different websites. You can add your CrowdWork account and will see it listed alongside all your codes in the app.

Q: Will 2FA work on mobile devices? A: Yes, 2FA works on any device where you can access your authenticator app to get codes.

Q: Do you support SMS or text message codes for sign-in? A: Currently, we only support two-factor authentication using authenticator apps, as this is a more secure method than SMS or text messaging.

Q: Can I temporarily disable 2FA? A: Yes, you can disable 2FA at any time from your Settings page.

Q: What if I see an "Invalid code" error? A: This usually means:

  • The code expired (wait for a fresh code)

  • Your device time is incorrect (check your device clock)

  • You're entering the code for the wrong account (verify in your authenticator app)

Need Help?

If you encounter issues with two-factor authentication:

  • Can't scan QR code? Use the manual secret option instead

  • Codes not working? Check that the time on your device's clock is accurate

  • Lost authenticator access? Contact support for recovery help

  • General questions? Reach out to our support team

We're here to help keep your account secure so the shows can go on!

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