disable 2FA with Backup Codes

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  ximran · Member · Mar 28, 2021 at 12:27 pm

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  Hi, my registered 2FA number has been cancelled and I do have backup codes using which I am able to login to my wordpress account but when I try to disable 2FA it only gives the option to send SMS to that old number.

  How can I disable 2FA using backup codes and re-enable using my new mobile number?

  Thanks in Advance.

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  staartmees · Member · Mar 28, 2021 at 12:37 pm

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  You can use one of your unused backup codes instead of the SMS-code.

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  ximran · Member · Mar 29, 2021 at 8:37 am

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  I tried to put the backup code there but it is not accepted.

  “You entered an invalid code. Please try again.”

  It’s just looking for the code send via SMS which I can’t receive as the number is no longer active.

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  fstat · Staff · Mar 30, 2021 at 10:03 am

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  Hi there,

  Are you following these steps and still get that error?

  https://wordpress.com/support/security/two-step-authentication/#disable-two-step-authentication

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  ximran · Member · Mar 31, 2021 at 5:07 am

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  yes, exactly. When I click on the Disable 2FA it gives this message “A code has been sent to your device via SMS. You may request another code after one minute.” without even requiring me to click the button and as I don’t have the previous number I cannot do anything.

  I tried to enter the backup code but it says invalid code as I mentioned in my earlier post. There is no option for me to enter the backup code. What should I do ?

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  ximran · Member · Mar 31, 2021 at 7:12 am

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  I managed to do it by totally logging out of the system and then selecting recover account and used the backup codes to login and reset the 2FA to my number.

  Thanks for your time and support.

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  fstat · Staff · Mar 31, 2021 at 8:39 am

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  I’m glad that you figured it out. Please let me know if you need help with anything else.