Setting up code generator multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Code generator is a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method that strengthens your ID.me account security by requiring a temporary 6-digit code from the ID.me Authenticator app when signing in. This article explains how to set up and use code generator MFA.

Before you start

• Required app: To use code generator MFA, download the free ID.me Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play Store. If the app is unavailable in your country, you can use other code generator apps.
• Alternative MFA method: If you can't use a code generator, consider setting up passkey MFA, which is the safest MFA method available.
• System requirements: Ensure your device meets the system requirements to use the ID.me Authenticator app.

Set up code generator MFA

To set up code generator MFA:

1. When prompted, select Code Generator.
2. Select Text message or Email to receive a link to download the ID.me Authenticator app. Enter your phone number or email, then select Continue.
   
   Note: If you can't download the ID.me Authenticator app, you can use a third-party one-time password app.
3. Select the activation link and follow the prompts to install the app. If you already have the app, open the app and select the + symbol to add or register a new code.
4. Scan QR Code or Enter Secret Key
   On the code generator setup screen, select Scan QR Code or Enter Secret Key. Use your app to scan the QR code or enter the secret key manually.
   
5. Enter 6-Digit Code
   After activation, the app will generate a 6-digit code every 30 seconds. Enter this code in the field provided and name your device (e.g., "My iPhone" or "My Android").
   
6. Select Continue to finish the setup process.
   

Add code generator as a secondary MFA method

If you already have another MFA method set up, you can add code generator MFA as an additional method:

1. Sign in to your ID.me account using your current MFA method.
2. In My Account, select Sign In & Security.
3. Next to Code Generator, select Set up.
4. When prompted, complete sign-in using your current MFA method.
5. Follow steps 2-6 from the “Setting up code generator MFA” section above.

After setup, you’ll see the code generator added as an MFA method in your account.

Sign in with code generator MFA

To sign in using code generator MFA:

1. Sign in to your ID.me account.
2. Select Code Generator as the MFA method.
3. Open the ID.me Authenticator app to find the 6-digit code.
4. Enter the code displayed in the app before the timer reaches zero. A new code is generated every 30 seconds.

Manage code generator settings

You can manage the codes directly within the app:

1. Open the ID.me Authenticator App.
2. Go to the “Code Generator” section to view current codes.
3. Swipe Left on a code to view its settings.

You edit or delete your codes:

Edit

Change the Issuer or Account Name, then select Done to save your changes.

Delete 

You can delete individual codes from your code generator. We recommend only setting up one code generator and avoiding code deletion unless you're setting up another MFA method.

Troubleshoot code generator MFA

I have multiple codes in the app

If you delete and re-add the code generator MFA on your device, you may see multiple sets of codes in the app. To avoid confusion, we recommend using the most recently added code and deleting older codes.

To delete a code:

1. Open the ID.me Authenticator app.
2. Find the code you want to delete, swipe left, and select Delete.
3. Confirm by selecting Delete again.