This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Can't get 2fa codes on authenticator app

  • 3 majibu
  • 1 ana tatizo hili
  • 17 views
  • Last reply by monsieurms

monsieurms
monsieurms
more options

Hi, just switched phones, setting up FF on my new phone. Went to establish a sync. Scanned the QR code on the desktop. Approved on the phone. Now it says the other device, i.e., my desktop must approve. The desktop wants a 6 digit 2fa code from my authenticator app. That's nice, but it is a new phone and I don't have FF set up in the authenticator app yet. I have a bunch of backup codes, but none is a 6-digit code. There is no alternative method suggested (like texts, emails).

Perhaps I'm missing something simple, since I've done this before, although years back. But how do I get my phone in sync without 2fa codes from an authenticator app? Thanks in advance.

Hi, just switched phones, setting up FF on my new phone. Went to establish a sync. Scanned the QR code on the desktop. Approved on the phone. Now it says the other device, i.e., my desktop must approve. The desktop wants a 6 digit 2fa code from my authenticator app. That's nice, but it is a new phone and I don't have FF set up in the authenticator app yet. I have a bunch of backup codes, but none is a 6-digit code. There is no alternative method suggested (like texts, emails). Perhaps I'm missing something simple, since I've done this before, although years back. But how do I get my phone in sync without 2fa codes from an authenticator app? Thanks in advance.

All Replies (3)

Paul
Paul
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Hi

Do you have the 2FA app still running on your old device?

monsieurms
monsieurms Mwenye swali
more options

Alas, no. That phone has been wiped in preparation for trade-in.

monsieurms
monsieurms Mwenye swali
more options

Paul said
Hi Do you have the 2FA app still running on your old device?

Although I don't have that available, I did this morning find the email sign-in which permits use of the 10-digit backup codes rather than the 6 digit authenticator codes. So, I'm in and sync'ing.

However, I'd like to avoid this again. How do I get on the Authenticator app Firefox listed? When I go back to sync and get the QR code, the app just says "error reading code." It also suggests it will take a setup key. I have a recovery key! I don't or at least haven't labeled anything a setup key. Is there some place to find that? Or a QR code not related directly to the sync that the Google Auth will work with?