Set up 2-factor authentication (2FA)


2FA adds extra security to your Sage account. Every time you log in, you need to provide a code to verify it’s you.

During the set-up, you will be asked to add a recovery phone number or email address in case you no longer have access and need to recover your account.

Make sure you have an alternative phone number or email address to hand for this stage.

If you do not already have an alternative email address, you can create one online for free using a provider of your choice.

From 29 February 2024, 2FA will be mandatory.

Do multiple people use the same login?

You can only set up 2FA on one device for each account login.

Every user needs to have their own set of login credentials. Shared accounts are a significant security risk. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection, but when credentials are shared, this advantage is nullified.

Sharing account details can lead to unauthorised access and difficulty tracking changes made to your data. All users need to have their own account with unique 2FA setup.

Read more about 2FA for multi-user Sage accounts.

Decide how to authenticate

You can authenticate three different ways:

Set up 2FA

  1. Log in as normal then select Set up 2-factor authentication.
  2. Log in with your email address and password.
  3. Decide how you want to authenticate and receive your 6-digit code.
  4. Continue set up by selecting your chosen method below.

Authenticator app *Sage recommended*

  1. Download and install the authenticator app of your choice. We recommend Microsoft Authenticator.
    Read more about how to download and use authenticator apps.
  2. If you’re using Microsoft Authenticator: Open the authenticator app and select the + button in the top right corner. Then select Work or school account and select Scan QR code when prompted.
    If you’re using a different authenticator app: Follow their in-app instructions to add a new account.
  3. Within the authenticator app, scan the QR code using your device.
  4. Enter the 6-digit code in the set up screen and select Continue.
  5. Make a note of your 24-digit recovery code and store it in a safe location. You will need this code to access your account if you’re unable to authenticate using your chosen method.
  6. Select the I have saved my recovery code checkbox, then Continue.
  7. Choose your preferred recovery method. This allows you to access your account if you can’t authenticate and have lost your recovery code.
    Choose your recovery method as something you can easily access.
  8. Enter the email address or phone number and select Continue.
    If your chosen recovery method is your phone, select whether you want to receive a text message or a phone call.
  9. Depending on your recovery method, access your email inbox or check your phone for your verification code.
  10. Enter the 6-digit code and select Continue.
    If you don’t receive a code after a few minutes, select Resend code.
  11. The set up is now complete. You can now log in to your account.
    Read more about how to log in with 2FA.

Phone call

  1. Select Set up with a text or phone call at the bottom of the QR code page.
  2. Select Phone (Text message or phone call).
  3. Choose the country code, enter your phone number, select Phone call, then select Continue.
  4. You will then receive a phone call.
  5. Answer the call and select the requested number to hear your one-time passcode. The code will be repeated 3 times.
  6. Enter the code and select Continue.
  7. Make a note of your 24-digit recovery code and store it in a safe location. You will need this code to access your account if you’re unable to authenticate using your chosen method.
  8. Select the I have saved my recovery code checkbox, then Continue.
  9. Choose a recovery method. This allows you to access your account if you can’t authenticate and have lost your recovery code.
  10. Enter the email address or phone number and select Continue.
    If you select phone number, you need to provide a number different to the first number.
  11. Depending on your recovery method, access your email inbox or check your phone for your verification code.
  12. Enter the 6-digit code and select Continue.
    If you don’t receive a code, check your spam/junk folders. If you have not received it after a few minutes, select Resend code.
  13. Set up is now complete. You can now log in to your account.
    Read more about how to log in with 2FA.

Text message

  1. Select Set up with a text or phone call at the bottom of the QR code page.
  2. Select Phone (Text message or phone call).
  3. Choose the country code, enter your phone number and select Text message, then select Continue.
  4. You will then receive a text message with the 6-digit code.
  5. Enter the code and select Continue.
  6. Record your recovery code and store it in a safe location.
    You will need this code to access your account if you’re unable to authenticate using your chosen method.
  7. Select the I have saved my recovery code checkbox, then Continue.
  8. Choose a recovery method.
    This allows you to access your account if you can’t authenticate and have lost your recovery code.
  9. Enter the email address or phone number and select Continue.
    If you choose phone number, this must be different from the first number. 
  10. Depending on your recovery method, access your email inbox or check your phone for your verification code.
  11. Enter the 6-digit code and select Continue.
    If you don’t receive a code, check your spam/junk folders. If you have not received it after a few minutes, select Resend code.
  12. Set up is now complete. You can now log in to your account.
    Read more about how to log in with 2FA.

If you’re having trouble, contact us for support.


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