What are 2FA recovery codes?

In this article, you will learn what are 2FA recovery codes and how to use them.

We will go through the following:

1. What are 2FA recovery codes?
2. How to save 2FA recovery codes?
3. How to use 2FA recovery codes?

What are 2FA recovery codes?

Recovery codes are one-time use codes that you can use in case you have lost access to the device/email address to which you usually receive 2FA codes. When setting up 2FA on your account, you have the ability to save or download them. 

How to save 2FA recovery codes?

1. Enter your Surfshark Account settings and click on Edit.
   
   
2. Choose your preferred authentication method and proceed. Once you receive the code, enter it and click Next.
   
   
   
3. Here, you will be presented with your recovery codes and a confirmation that 2FA is active on your account. Press on Download recovery codes, and a download of a text file will begin. We also recommend taking a picture of the recovery codes or saving them in a password manager or cloud storage, such as Google Drive.
   
   
   
4. Once the download is finished, you'll find recovery.txt in your Downloads folder.
   
   
   The file contains your account's recovery codes.
   
   
   

   How to use 2FA recovery codes?

   1. Type in your credentials and press Log in.
      
      
      
   2. Click on Enter a recovery code.
      
      
      
   3. Enter one of the recovery codes and press Verify.
      NOTE: These codes are one-time use only.
      
      
      
   4. Once logged in, go to your Account settings, where you can reconfigure 2FA on your new device/email.
      
      
      
      

You may be interested in:

1. Enter 2FA code
2. How to enable 2FA for multiple users
3. What is 2FA and why is it important?