Some reasons as to why your 2FA is not working
There are a number of reasons your 2FA may not be functioning properly:
- 2FA Time Setting
- You have upgraded to a new phone
- Your phone was lost, stolen or broken
If you use Google Authenticator for 2FA try this link for troubleshooting.
2FA Time Setting
Authenticator app 2FA codes are based on timing and thus require the time on your phone (generally the official local time) to be precisely in sync with the official local time on your desktop.
You can disconnect your phone from the internet and as long as its time is still correct, it will successfully generate correct 2FA codes. However, manual time settings and offline devices eventually slip out of sync.
If your phone's time is out of sync, or if you have changed time zones, the best way to fix it is to change the time settings on your phone from "Manual" to "Automatic"
I have a new phone. How do I move my Authenticator across?
If you have a new phone, be sure to move your authenticator across to your new device. Most authenticators have an export option to port the 2FA to your new device and cancel it on your old device.
My phone was lost, stolen or broken – now what?
Your best bet, in this case, would be to reset your 2FA. You will be required to then re-enable your 2FA with your new device. Please see the following support article on how to RESET YOUR 2FA.
Most Authenticators now offer the option to save ‘Backup Codes’ in the event your Authentication device is lost/stolen/broken. Google, for example, issues 10 Backup Codes each eight characters long thank can be regenerated if need be. Save these Backup Codes somewhere safe or even print them out. This way if your Authentication device goes AWOL you can always change to another device through your Google settings using the Backup Code.