Tech Tips

Tech Tips for Non-Tech People!

How to Get 2FA Backup Codes

If you took our advice and setup 2-factor authentication (2FA) as a protective measure on your online accounts, there’s more thing that those that travel need to do.

Since 2FA keeps others from accessing your account by sending your phone a text code whenever it doesn’t recognize a device, it’s extremely helpful even if someone has snags your username and password.

But, if you’re on an airplane using the on-board wifi, when you sign into your accounts, your phone can’t get the required text code to get in.

This is where backup codes come to the rescue.

If you’re a business traveler, being locked out of Facebook or Twitter may be no big deal, but access to email on a long flight is critical.

The backup codes are generally stored in the same area that you used to setup 2FA in the first place, so go back to your setup menu to find them.

Making a copy of these one-time use codes and keeping them stored in your travel gear will solve this problem.

It doesn’t matter how you store them; on a piece of paper in your wallet or purse or in a password protected file on your computer, just make it something only you will know is the backup codes.

I’ve got links for many of the major sites posted at https://www.datadoctors.com/radio

Google: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/148104135383285

DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/help/364

Twitter: https://support.twitter.com/articles/20170388-using-login-verification#

Or search “2-factor backup codes for XXXX” where XXXX is the name of the online service