# Backup codes

**Category:** [Account Security & Sign-in](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/account-security)
**Updated:** 2026-10-04

## Backup codes

When you enable an authenticator app, TotalCtrl gives you **10 one-time backup codes**. They let you sign in if you ever lose access to your authenticator device.
### Keep them safe

- Store them in a password manager or print them and keep them somewhere secure.
- Each code works **once**. After you use one, it stops working.
- Do not share them — anyone with a backup code and your password can sign in.

### Using a backup code

On the verification screen, type a backup code in place of your authenticator code.
### Generating new codes

Go to **Profile → Security → Two-factor authentication** and click **New backup codes**. Generating a new set **invalidates the old codes**, so update wherever you stored them.

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## Related Articles

- [Add a passkey to your account](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/add-a-passkey)
- [Sign in with two-factor authentication](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/sign-in-with-2fa)
- [Two-factor authentication (2FA): an overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/two-factor-authentication-overview)
- [Configure an SMS provider (administrators)](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/configure-sms-provider-admin)
- [Passkeys: what they are and why use them](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/passkeys-overview)

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