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Two-Factor Authentication

Learn how to secure your account with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using SMS or an Authenticator App.

Shaney Thrasher avatar
Written by Shaney Thrasher
Updated over a week ago

📝 Overview

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account. Once enabled, you’ll log in with your email and password plus a code from either:

  • SMS (text message)

  • Authenticator App (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or FreeOTP)

💡 Passport is a third-party authentication service used to manage the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) process. You may see the name “Passport” appear during setup — this is part of the secure login system and not a separate account or application you need to create.

🔧 Setup

1️⃣ Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Click here to learn how to enable two-factor authentication

Set Up 2FA

  1. Log into your Sawyer Account

  2. Go to your Sign In & Security page.

  3. Choose Enable 2FA.

  4. Select SMS or Authenticator App as your method.

  5. If you exit before finishing, your account won’t be protected until you complete setup.

2️⃣ Enable SMS Setup

Click here to learn how to setup sms for two-factor authentication

SMS Setup

  1. Select SMS Authentication

  2. Enter your phone number (with country code).

  3. A 6-digit code will be sent via text and are valid for 2 minutes.

    If your code times out, simply request a new one after waiting 30 seconds.

  4. Enter the code and click Enable to finish.

3️⃣ Authenticator App Set Up

Click here to learn how to setup the authenticator app for two-factor authentication using a QR code

Authenticator App Setup

  1. Download an authenticator app if you don’t already have one.

    • We suggest using Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or FreeOTP

  2. In your app, add a new account and scan the QR code shown on screen.

    • Important: Use the app’s scanner, not your phone camera.

    • If scanning isn’t possible, choose Enter manually and type in the provided key.

      Here's an example of Microsoft's App:

      Here's an example of Google's App:

The Authenticator app will display a new code every 30 seconds. Enter the code from the app into the setup screen and click Enable.

Click here to learn how to setup the authenticator app for two-factor authentication manually without scanning a QR code

Manually Entering Authenticator Information

If you are unable or prefer not to use the QR code scanning option, you can manually enter the required details into your Authenticator application.

  1. On the Passport page, select “Unable to Scan."

  2. The page will display the key and configuration values you need to enter.

  3. In your Authenticator app, look for the option to manually enter information (this is usually located near the QR code scan option).

  4. Follow the instructions in your Authenticator app to input the key and configuration values provided.

  5. Once set up, enter the code generated by your Authenticator app into the “One-time Code” field on the Passport page and select “Enable.”

  6. If successful, two-factor authentication (2FA) will be activated, and you will be redirected back to the Sawyer Sign In & Security page.

4️⃣ Confirmation

Click here to see how to confirm your two-factor authentication

Confirming your 2FA

  1. Once setup is complete, you’ll see your authentication method listed in Sign In & Security.

  2. You’ll also receive a confirmation email.

🖥️ Log In Experience

  • Log in as usual with email and password.

    • Use this login link to access your Sawyer account

    • If you need more assistance, check out this article on how to login to your Sawyer Account

  • You’ll then be prompted to complete 2FA via your chosen method (SMS code or Authenticator App).

  • If you don’t complete it in time (session expires after 15 minutes), you’ll need to restart the login process.

⚠️ If logging in on a class provider’s registration widget and nothing happens, your browser’s pop-up blocker may be stopping the 2FA window. Disable the blocker or log in from a full page.

🔐 Managing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

⛔ Disable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Click here to learn how to disable two-factor authentication

Disabling 2FA

  1. Go to Sign In & Security and select Disable 2FA.

  2. For security, you’ll be asked to authenticate again before disabling this feature.

  3. A confirmation email will be sent.

↔️ Switch Two-Factor Authentication Methods (2FA)

Click here to learn how to switch two-factor authentication methods

  1. Go to Sign In & Security and select Disable 2FA.

  2. For security, you’ll be asked to authenticate again before disabling this feature.

  3. A confirmation email will be sent.

  4. Now you will be able to move forward in setting up your new 2FA method. If needed, please refer to step one above for guidance

🔄 Resetting Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Click here to learn how to reset two-factor authentication

Resetting 2FA

  1. If you lose access to your 2FA method, contact support.

  2. After verification, support can reset your 2FA so you can log in again.

❓ FAQs

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions that may help you

Q: What if my SMS code expires?
A: If your code expires, not to worry! The old code will no longer work but you’ll be able to request a new one after 30 seconds.

Q: What happens if I don’t finish setup?
A: If you don’t finish setup, your account won’t be protected yet. You can complete it later or restart when you’re ready.

Q: Can I change from SMS to Authenticator App (or vice versa)?
A: Yes! You can switch methods anytime. Just disable 2FA first, then set it up again using your preferred option.

Q: What happens if Passport (the 2FA service) is down?
A: If Passport isn’t available, you’ll still be able to log in with your email and password. Once the service is restored, 2FA will work as normal.

📝 Tips & Reminders

  • Always keep your phone handy when logging in.

  • Authenticator Apps are more reliable than SMS if you travel or have poor cell service.

  • If you get locked out, contact support to reset your 2FA.

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