# Sign in with two-factor authentication

**Category:** [Account Security & Sign-in](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/account-security)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Signing in with 2FA

After you enter your email and password, TotalCtrl shows a verification screen.
### With an authenticator app

- Open your authenticator app and read the current 6-digit code for TotalCtrl.
- Type it into the box. The screen submits automatically once you enter the sixth digit.

### Switching methods

If you do not have your authenticator handy, click **“Verify with email instead.”** A code is emailed to you and the screen switches to email mode. From the email screen you can switch back with **“Use authenticator app instead.”**
### Using a backup code

If you have lost access to your authenticator device, type one of your **backup codes** instead of an app code. Each backup code works only once.
### Codes by email or text

If you receive codes by email or SMS, the code expires after 10 minutes. Use **Resend code** if it does not arrive.

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## Related Articles

- [Backup codes](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/backup-codes)
- [Two-factor authentication (2FA): an overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/two-factor-authentication-overview)
- [Set up an authenticator app](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/set-up-authenticator-app)
- [Configure an SMS provider (administrators)](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/configure-sms-provider-admin)
- [Troubleshooting 2FA and passkeys](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/troubleshooting-2fa-passkeys)

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