For 2FA, I used a code generated by Google Authenticator to enter my account - but codes are rejected
Recently I activated 2FA on Firefox. I scanned the barcode by Google authenticator, to make it my code generator.
I'm now trying to enter Firefox on my laptop. After typing my password, when I try to enter one of the generated Google Authenticator codes, I constantly get a response "Invalid code".
I had to use one of the backup codes (out of the 8), and managed to enter my account on the laptop, but none of the logins and passwords were found there (it's empty).
My first question is why does Firefox reject the codes received from Google Authenticator (do I have to cancel my 2FA and define it once again? but I did everything by the book, with GA, and it seemed fine the other day).
My second question: I finally managed to enter my account with one of the eight backup code. Why are there no passwords etc? Aren't they automatically drawn from my usual (existing) account?
The laptop runs Win 10. I installed the 2FA on my main computer, which runs Win 11.
Thank you very much in advance, Eldad
Ændret af Eldad S-firefox den
Valgt løsning
I solved the problem.
I deleted all the entries of Firefox in Google Authenticator, disabled the service in my Firefox account, re-installed the two-step authentication, scanned the code again into Google Authenticator, and now everything is back to normal, working smoothly.
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Two-Factor authentication (2FA) works with a 6-digit time-based code (TOTP:Time-based One-Time Password) that only is valid for thirty seconds, so make sure that the time and timezone is correct on all devices including the mobile device with the Authenticator App that generates the TOTP code. More info:
Thank you. I know how to use these codes. I use this method with all my accounts, Gmail accounts, Dropbox and everything. I type the codes immediately when they show up on my cell phone - and it has worked every time I used this method, without fail, except this case, with Firefox.
Unfortunately, this doesn't seem the problem.
And what about the logins and passwords? How come that particular space was totally empty when I finally entered my account (using one of the backup codes)? I thought that the same as with Chrome, all the passwords are automatically copied to the new device whenever I enter my account. I suspected this was part of the problem, indicative of the same problem as the one with the codes.
Ændret af Eldad S-firefox den
Does the TOTP code work in a browser (Firefox) on the mobile device ?
Ændret af cor-el den
I have just tried it.
It says: "Open your authentication app and enter the security code it provides." I typed the security code from Google Authenticator, and then received the same response as with the laptop:
Invalid two-step authentication code.
How would you suggest that I should proceed? Should I enter my installed program, cancel the two-step authentication, and then install it again?
I still have six or seven backup codes valid, I don't want to waste them. But I know that if I cancel the 2FA and install it again, I'll get 8 fresh new codes.
Waiting for your advice.
There is another idea I can work with: I can export all the passwords into a file, enter Firefox from another Gmail account of mine, install the 2FA, and see if I can enter my new FF account on my laptop using Google Authenticator.
I've just realized that I see three instances of Firefox on my GA screen in the app - but they all display the same codes every time the code changes, so I guess this shouldn't bother me.
I'll now wait for your advice and proceed according to your suggestion.
Thanks in advance, Eldad
Valgt løsning
I solved the problem.
I deleted all the entries of Firefox in Google Authenticator, disabled the service in my Firefox account, re-installed the two-step authentication, scanned the code again into Google Authenticator, and now everything is back to normal, working smoothly.
I have one more question, I hope you can help me:
Suppose I now wish to check whether the Firefox codes from Google Authenticator are valid, how can I check one of those codes (in a random check)?
Can you give me an idea?
You can simply logout and login of the Firefox account to verify that the GA app is working properly.
Make sure to generate and save the new set of 2FA recovery codes.
You can possibly do this with a new profile. See "Creating a profile":
Thank you very much, very good tips.
I have already tried to sign out of my account on the laptop, and then sign in again using Google Authenticator. It worked.
I did save the recovery codes, and also sent them to myself using Gmail (to be on the safe side).
I will read about Firefox profiles and allow myself to revert to you if I have any questions. Thanks a lot!