Setting up text message or phone call multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Text message or phone call multi-factor authentication (MFA) strengthens your ID.me account security by sending a temporary code to your phone number when you sign in to your ID.me account. This article explains how to set up MFA using the text message or phone call method and how to sign in after you set it up.

For help with common MFA issues, visit Troubleshooting multi-factor authentication.

Before you start

• Phone number extensions are not currently supported with MFA. For example, you can’t use 555-555-5555 ext. 2.
• This MFA method is not available for Medical Providers prescribing controlled substances.
• While not all ID.me partners require you to set up MFA for your ID.me account, we recommend using MFA to protect your account from scams and phishing attempts.

Set up text message or phone call MFA

To set up text message or phone call MFA method for the first time:

1. When verifying your identity, you’ll be prompted to choose an MFA method. Select Text Message or Phone Call.
   
2. Enter the phone number you’d like to use, select Text me or Call me, then select Continue. You’ll receive a phone call or a text message at the number you provided. The message will contain a 6-digit code.
   
3. Enter the 6-digit code you received, then select Continue.
   
4. Select Continue again to complete the MFA setup process. You’ll see a message that your account is now secure.

Add text message or phone call MFA

If you previously set up a different MFA method, you can add text message or phone call as a secondary MFA method. This won’t replace the first MFA method you set up. To add text message or phone call MFA:

1. Sign in to your ID.me account, using your existing MFA method.
2. In your account dashboard, select Sign in & Security.
3. Go to “Text Message or Phone Call” MFA method and select Set up.
4. When prompted, complete your sign in using your current MFA method.
5. Enter the phone number you’d like to use, select Text me or Call me, then select Continue. You’ll receive a phone call or a text message at the number you provided. The message will contain a 6-digit code.
6. Enter the 6-digit code you received, then select Continue.
7. Select Continue again to complete the MFA setup process. You’ll see a message that your account is now secure.

Sign in using text message or phone call

After you set up your text message or phone call, we’ll prompt you to complete sign in using this method. To sign in:

1. Sign in to your ID.me account.
2. Select Text Message or Phone Call for MFA.
3. Enter the 6-digit code you received via text or phone call to complete the sign-in.

Update your phone number for MFA

When you change your phone number, smartphone, or phone carrier, you’ll need to update the phone number connected to your ID.me account. To learn how to do this, visit Changing your multi-factor authentication (MFA) method.

Troubleshooting

Review the information below for troubleshooting specific to text message or phone call MFA.

For help with general MFA issues, visit Troubleshooting multi-factor authentication.

I didn’t receive a text message or phone call

When setting up text message or phone call MFA, if you don’t receive a text message or call:

1. Confirm you have reliable WiFi and internet connection.
2. Confirm you have the most up-to-date operating system installed on your device.
3. Check with your phone provider to ensure your service is active.
4. Restart your device.
5. Try again to set up text message or phone call MFA.