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  2. Account Management
  3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Setting up your backup codes for multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Backup codes are a stand-alone MFA method that allows you to generate 12 one-time-use codes to secure your account. This article explains how to set up and use these codes.

Note: Backup codes are different from recovery codes. To learn about recovery codes, visit Generating your recovery code for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Set up MFA backup codes

To set up your MFA backup codes:

  1. When prompted to set up MFA, select Backup Codes.
  2. You’ll be shown a list of 12 unique backup codes. Each code is numbered to help you track which ones have already been used.
  3. Write down, print, or save the backup codes to your device. Do not leave a file of these codes on a public computer and never share them with anyone.
  4. Return to the ID.me MFA setup screen and enter the backup code when prompted.

I used all of my backup codes

After you use your last backup code, you will automatically receive 12 new backup codes. These will follow the next sequence of numbers (e.g., 13-24, 25-36, etc.). Your last backup code will remain valid until you confirm the new set of 12 codes.