Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security protection for your account. Once enabled, logging in requires not only your password but also a one-time verification code generated by an authenticator.Supported Authentication Methods
TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password)
Uses an authenticator app to generate a 6-digit verification code. Supported Authenticator Apps:- Google Authenticator
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Authy
- 1Password
- Other TOTP-compatible applications
Enabling 2FA
Prerequisites
- Logged in to Qaptly account
- Authenticator app installed (such as Google Authenticator)
Setup Steps
-
Navigate to Security Settings
- Click the user menu in the top right corner
- Select “Settings” or navigate to
/settings - Select the “Security” tab
-
Enable TOTP
- Find the “Two-Factor Authentication” section
- Click the “Enable TOTP” button
-
Scan QR Code
- The system will display a QR Code and secret key
- Open your authenticator app
- Select “Add Account” or “Scan QR Code”
- Scan the QR Code on the screen
-
Manual Entry (Alternative Method)
- If unable to scan the QR Code
- Click “Show Manual Entry”
- Select “Manually Enter Key” in the authenticator
- Enter the displayed secret key
-
Verify Setup
- View the 6-digit verification code generated in the authenticator
- Enter that verification code in Qaptly’s verification field
- Click “Verify” to confirm
-
Save Recovery Codes
- Recovery codes will be displayed after successful setup
- Be sure to save recovery codes in a secure place
- Click “Download” to download recovery codes
- Each recovery code can only be used once
Logging In with 2FA
After enabling 2FA, the login process is as follows:- Enter username and password
- Click “Sign In”
- The system displays the 2FA verification dialog
- Open your authenticator app
- Enter the displayed 6-digit verification code
- Click “Verify” to complete login
- The verification code field supports auto-tabbing
- You can directly paste the complete 6-digit verification code
- Automatically submits after entering the complete code
Using Recovery Codes
If you cannot access your authenticator (such as lost phone), you can log in using a recovery code:- In the 2FA verification dialog
- Click “Use Recovery Code”
- Enter one recovery code
- Click “Verify”
Important: Each recovery code can only be used once. The code becomes invalid after use.
Regenerating Recovery Codes
If recovery codes are used up or lost:- Log in to your account (requires authenticator or remaining recovery codes)
- Navigate to “Settings” > “Security”
- Click “Regenerate Recovery Codes” in the 2FA section
- Enter current verification code to confirm identity
- Download and save new recovery codes
- All old recovery codes will become invalid
Disabling 2FA
If you need to disable 2FA:- Navigate to “Settings” > “Security”
- Click “Disable TOTP” in the 2FA section
- Enter verification code to confirm
- 2FA is disabled
Security Reminder: Disabling 2FA reduces account security. It’s recommended to keep it enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Verification code always shows as incorrect?
A:- Ensure your phone time is synchronized with network time
- TOTP relies on time to generate verification codes; time deviation will cause verification to fail
- You can enable “Automatic Date & Time” in phone settings
Q: How to transfer 2FA after changing phones?
A:- Export authenticator accounts on the old phone (some apps support this)
- Or: Disable 2FA first, then re-enable after changing phones
- Or: Log in with recovery code and reconfigure
Q: What if all recovery codes are used up?
A:- If you can still log in with the authenticator, you can regenerate recovery codes
- If you cannot log in at all, please contact the system administrator for assistance
Q: Can I set up the same 2FA on multiple devices?
A:- Yes, scan the QR Code with multiple devices simultaneously during setup
- Or manually add the secret key to authenticators on other devices
Security Recommendations
- Protect recovery codes - Store them in a secure place, such as a password manager
- Do not screenshot QR Codes - Avoid storing setup information in insecure places
- Regular backups - Ensure you have a way to log in if devices are lost
- Use trusted authenticators - Choose well-known and continuously maintained applications