Code generator multi-factor authentication (MFA) strengthens your ID.me account security by requiring you to enter a temporary 6-digit code from the ID.me Authenticator app when you sign in.
This article explains how to set up MFA using the code generator and how to sign in after you set it up.
Before you start
- To use code generator MFA, you need a code generator app, also known as a one time password (OTP) generator. Download the free ID.me Authenticator app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- If the ID.me Authenticator app is not available in your country, you can use a third-party OTP generator app. Many password managers include an OTP. As an alternative, set up Passkey MFA, which is the safest MFA method available.
- Learn about system requirements to use the ID.me Authenticator app.
- While not all organizations require you to set up MFA for your ID.me account, we recommend setting up MFA on your account.
Set up code generator MFA
To set up the code generator MFA method for the first time:
- When prompted to choose an MFA method, select Code Generator.
- To receive a link to download the ID.me Authenticator app, select Text message or Email, enter your mobile phone number or email address, then select Continue.
Note: If you can’t download the ID.me Authenticator app, you can use a third-party, one time password (OTP) code generator app. - Select the activation link that was sent to you, then follow the prompts to install the app.
Tip: If you receive the link via email, open and select the link on the device where the ID.me Authenticator app will be used. - If you already have the ID.me Authenticator app or a third-party code generator app:
- In the app, select the + symbol to add or register a new code.
- On the code generator setup screen (see screenshot below), select Scan QR Code or Enter Secret Key.
- Use your code generator app to scan the QR code on the screen or enter the secret key.
- Select Continue.
- After you activate the code generator, it will generate a 6-digit code every 30 seconds. Below is an example of what the 6-digit code looks like. Third party code generators may look different, but you will see a time-based, 6-digit rotating code.
- Enter the 6-digit code in the field provided to confirm your device and name your device. For example, you could name it “My iPhone” or “My Android.” This way, if you add a new device in the future, you can tell the difference between devices.
- Select Continue to complete the setup process.
Add code generator MFA
If you previously set up a different MFA method, you can add code generator MFA as a secondary MFA method. This won’t replace the first MFA method you set up. To add code generator MFA:
- Sign in to your ID.me Account, using your existing MFA method.
- In your account dashboard, select Sign in & Security.
- Go to “Code Generator” and select Set up.
- When prompted, complete your sign in using your current MFA method.
- Follow steps 2-7 in Set up code generator MFA.
In your ID.me account, you’ll see the code generator was added as an MFA method.
Sign in with code generator
After you set up your code generator, we’ll prompt you to complete sign in using this method. During the sign in process, you will need to find the 6-digit code in your ID.me Authenticator app. To sign in:
- Sign in to your ID.me account.
- Select Code Generator for MFA.
- When you are prompted to enter your 6-digit code, open your ID.me Authenticator app and enter the code that displays. A new code is generated every 30 seconds. Enter your code before the timer reaches zero.
Troubleshooting
Review the information below for troubleshooting specific to code generator MFA.
For help with general MFA issues, visit How to fix multi-factor authentication errors.
Delete extra code generator codes
If you set up the code generator MFA on your device, delete it as an MFA method, then add code generator again—you’ll see multiple sets of codes in the code generator.
To sign in to your ID.me account, you’ll need to use the code that you most recently added. To prevent confusion, we recommend deleting older sets of codes.
To delete a code:
- Open the ID.me Authenticator app on your device.
- Find the code you’d like to delete, swipe left, then select Delete.
- Select Delete to confirm and remove the code.
I didn’t receive a link to download the ID.me Authenticator app
When setting up a code generator as your MFA method, you must download the ID.me Authenticator app. The app displays a six-digit code to enter every time you sign in to your ID.me Account.
You can send a download link for the ID.me Authenticator app to your smartphone via text message or to your email address. If you already have an authenticator app, select Scan QR Code or Enter Secret Key.
If you don’t receive the link:
- Confirm you have reliable WiFi and internet connection.
- Confirm you have the most up-to-date operating system installed on your device.
- Restart your device.
- If you’re using a tablet, try a smartphone.
- Try again to set up code generator MFA.