# Text message (SMS) 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

## Using SMS for 2FA

If your administrator has enabled SMS, you can receive your sign-in codes as a text message.
### Set it up

- Go to **Profile** and enter your phone number (choose the correct country code).
- Click **Verify**. We text a 6-digit code to your phone.
- Enter the code to verify your number.
- Tick **“Use my phone number for 2-factor authentication.”**

If you do not see these options, SMS is not enabled on your TotalCtrl — use an authenticator app, a passkey, or email instead.
### A note on security

Text-message codes are convenient but less secure than an authenticator app or passkey, because texts can be intercepted or redirected. Where possible, prefer an authenticator app or passkey.

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## Related Articles

- [Backup codes](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/backup-codes)
- [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)
- [Two-factor authentication (2FA): an overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/two-factor-authentication-overview)

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