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Two-factor authentication (2FA)

All Frec accounts require two-factor authentication via SMS or an authenticator app. Learn how to set up, switch methods, and recover access with a backup code.

What is two-factor authentication?

To provide a heightened level of security, we require all customers to set up two-factor authentication on their accounts. Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps protect your Frec account by requiring two methods of verification to log into your Frec account. One method is something only you know (the password you created for your Frec account), and the other method is something in your possession (a code sent to your personal device). After setting up 2FA, you will need to enter both your Frec password and a unique code sent to your device every time you log in.

Automatic SMS two-factor authentication enrollment

When you open a Frec account, you are automatically enrolled in text message (SMS) 2FA. This happens when you add your phone number during the account application process.

You can complete setting up 2FA by following these steps:

  1. Enter your phone number when prompted
  2. Click Send code
  3. Check the notification on the device connected to your phone number to find your verification code
  4. Enter the code into the verification code box
  5. Click Verify to complete the 2FA setup

Each time you log into your account, you will be required to enter the code sent to your phone number. You can also change how you receive your 2FA code after you open your account. More on how to do this below.

If you prefer to only enter a verification code every 30 days, check the box next to Trust this device for 30 days. If you check the box and log in, you will not be asked for a verification code until 30 days have elapsed.

How do I change my 2FA settings from SMS to authenticator app?

You can change your 2FA method from text message (SMS) to an authenticator app by following these steps:

Part 1

  1. Click on your name or Account > Account settings
  2. Go to the Security & privacy tab
  3. Under Two-factor authentication (2FA), click Change method next to SMS. A box will appear asking which method you would like to use. Select Authenticator app and click Continue.
  4. You will then see a box with instructions on how to set up your authenticator app.

Part 2

Next, you will need to download the authenticator app onto your device. We support all major third-party authenticator apps. Below are some popular authenticator apps that can be found in your mobile device store:

Part 3

  1. Open your authenticator app and select the option to add an account.
  2. Connect your account using one of two methods:
    1. Option A: Scan the QR code displayed on Frec’s platform.
    2. Option B: Enter the setup key located directly below the QR code.
  3. Find the newly generated code next to your Frec account in the authenticator app.
  4. Enter the code into the Verification code field on Frec and click Continue.

Keep in mind that verification codes are time-sensitive, so please enter them in Frec before they expire.

Once you complete 2FA verification via an authenticator app, you will be given a Backup code. This code is only shown to you once. We recommend that you save the code to a safe location in case you lose the device your authenticator app is on and you are unable to receive your two-factor authentication code.

Each time you log into your account, you will be required to enter the code shown inside your authenticator app. You will need to open the app before logging in and follow the instructions above. You can also change how you receive your two-factor authentication code back to SMS by following the above instructions and clicking “SMS” instead of “Authenticator app.”

If you prefer to only enter a verification code every 30 days, you can check the box next to “Trust this device for 30 days” when you enter your Verification code during login. If you check the box and log in, you will not be asked for a verification code until 30 days have elapsed.

To a YubiKey (passkey)

Frec now supports YubiKey on the platform. A physical security key replaces verification through text message codes or authenticator apps.

What happens if I lose the device you used to set up two-factor authentication?

If you lose the device you used to set up 2FA, you can use the backup code provided to you if you set up 2FA with an authenticator app. If you still have access to your account through another method (for example, your SMS-enrolled phone), you can generate a new backup code for next time (see “Generating a new backup code” below). If you get a new device and keep your existing phone number, you will continue to receive SMS 2FA verification codes on your new device, so you do not need to use a backup code.

Generating a new backup code

If you lost your backup code or were never provided with a backup code, you can obtain a new backup code by following these steps:

  1. Click on your name or Account > Account settings
  2. Go to the Security & privacy tab
  3. Under Two-factor authentication (2FA), click Generate new code