How to i use my backup recovery codes?
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Short story: I messed up, and now i need to use the WordPress account backup codes that i have saved in a text file, but i cant seem to find anywhere to log in with them? What should i do?
More info: While setting up a new replacement phone, i made a big mistake. On the old phone, i deleted all my saved google authenticator codes without realizing that they would be deleted from my new phone as well. Now i cant log into my WordPress account anymore.
I have already tried the account recovery form, but it doesn’t work. No matter what i enter, it simply refer me to the “password reset” page, which allows me to change the password, but when i try to log in, it still demands a authenticator code.
If i have understood my royal screwup correctly, the only chance for me to get access to my account again is to use one of the 10 backup codes i got from WordPress when i set up 2FA, but i cant seem to find anywhere to enter them.
I really hope you can help me.
Daniel
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In an desperate attempt, i tried to ask ChatGPT for advice, and it gave me the magic words right away “When prompted for the two-factor authentication code, you can use one of your backup codes instead.”
Tragic that i had to resort to ChatGPT for such a simple answer.
My strong recommendation to the WordPress team is to do a serious manual walk trough of the entire account reclaiming process, view it from an novice eyes and question if its really helpful or just confusing.
Also, is there some hidden security benefit in listing the backup security codes in two columns so it cant be easily copied and pasted? Why did i have to copy paste 10 times to save them all?
Since ChatGPT solved my issue, i will now delete this temporary account i felt i had to create just for a problem that could be so simply prevented with clear and beginner friendly instructions. Therefore i will not be able to read your answers, but by all means, go ahead and use this post as a good reason to discuss the value och good instructions.
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If you would have taken a look in our extensive documentation, you would have found the same info and more at https://wordpress.com/support/security/two-step-authentication/#backup-codes
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