Two step authentication issue

  • Unknown's avatar
    josephmallozzi · Member ·

    I’m using two-step authentication. When I tried to log in from the authentication codes on my phone (which are constantly changing) I was unable to do so and used one of the back-up generated codes.

    Now, I notice that once I have used a back-up generated code, it becomes useless.

    So what happens once I go through all my back-up generated codes?

    Thanks,

    JM

    The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

  • kraftbj · Staff ·

    Hi JM,

    Each code by the phone is only valid for a short amount of time. The system knows if the code is valid by comparing the time since the “genesis point”, when the phone was first configured to use two-step authentication with WordPress.com.

    It’s possible the time-since-genesis on the phone is off for one reason or another, though rare.

    Can you deactivate two-step authentication and re-enable it to start things fresh?

    Backup codes are meant to be only used once. If you get down to your last one, you can re-generate new ones at http://wordpress.com/settings/security/ . Please note, though, that generating new backup codes does invalidate all previous ones (in case you lose access to them, you don’t have to worry about someone being able to still use them).

    As a head’s up, you’ll need one backup code to deactivate two-step (since your phone isn’t working).

    Cheers!

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