Client Resources

    How to set up two-factor authentication using the Xero verify app [Xero]

    How to setup Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Xero
     
    Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), also known as multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security beyond just a username and password. It requires an additional security option that only the user has access to, such as a physical token or a code generated by an authenticator app on their smartphone.

    Security Enhancement
    Combining a username and password with a piece of information that only the user knows makes it much harder for intruders to gain access and steal personal data or identities. Using 2FA significantly reduces the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to software information.

    Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication in Xero
    To set up 2FA, the user must install the Xero Verify app on their phone and link it to their Xero account. Each user in the Xero organization needs to set up 2FA individually. Once set up, 2FA applies only to that user's login and on the specific device used to access Xero.

    Changing Your Smart Device
    If a user changes their smart device, they should first disable 2FA on the old device and then re-enable it on the new device.

    Logging Into Xero Using 2FA
    When logging into Xero, the user must enter an authentication code from the authenticator app. This code can be required either each time the user signs in or every 30 days. If the user can't access their device, they can still log in using backup security questions or a backup email address (which cannot be the same email address associated with the Xero user account).
    1. 1

      Install the Xero verify app on your smartphone

      1. On your smartphone go to the App Store (IOS) or Google Play (Android)
      2. Search for Xero verify
         
           - The IOS App Store
                 Xero Verify Install Step 1
      3. Tap on [Get] download, install the app on your smartphone and open it
         
        - The Xero Verify App
         Xero Verify Install Step 2
      4. Tap on [Scan QR Code]
    2. 2

      Set up two-factor authentication in Xero

      1. Log into Xero with your new username and password
         
         - The Set up multi-factor authentication screen opens
      2. Click on [Set up multi-factor authentication]
         
         -  The Choose an authenticator app screen opens
         
      3. Click on [Use Xero Verify]
         
         -  The Phone multi-factor authentication screen opens
         
      4. Open the Xero Verify app installed on your phone and scan the QR code, then click on [Enter Code]
         
         -  The Log in with notifications screen appears on your smartphone
                 Xero Verify
      5. You can choose to either use Pop-up notifications or continue without notifications
         - If you use notifications > Xero Verify will send a pop-up notification to your phone every time you try to log into Xero, instead of using the 6-digit code
         - If you do not use notifications > Xero Verify will work the same way as any other external authenticator app (i.e Google Authenticator)
         
        -  The Add a Backup email screen opens
         
         
      6. Enter the Backup email address and click on [Continue] or if you do not have a second email address, click on Add backup security questions instead
        Note: this cannot be the same email you have used to set up this Xero User account.
         
         -          If you selected the backup email option a confirmation code is sent to this email address
         
         
      7. Go to the backup email address inbox and enter the confirmation code from Xero
        Note: the backup email security code expires in 60 minutes
      8. Click on [Confirm email]
         
         -  If you selected the security questions option, the Add Backup security questions screen opens
         
         
      9. Select the first security question from the list and then type the security answer
      10. Repeat the above step for all security questions and click on [Submit]
         
         -  The Setup Confirmation message appears
         
         
      11. Click on [Continue to Xero]


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