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What to Do When You Lose Access to Your 2FA Device
What to Do When You Lose Access to Your 2FA Device

Transfer or reset your 2FA in Productive when switching phones or losing access.

Updated this week

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Productive login. It combines something you know (your password) with something you have (a verification code from an authenticator app) for enhanced protection.

But what happens when you change phones or lose access to the authenticator app? This guide addresses three common scenarios you may encounter and provides solutions on how to maintain your 2FA setup in Productive.

Scenario 1: Switching to a New Phone While Still Having Access to the Old One

If you still have your old phone and want to transfer your 2FA setup to a new device, you can easily manage this transition.

Steps to Transfer 2FA Codes to Your New Phone:

  1. Install the Authenticator App

    Download the new authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, etc.) on your new phone.

  2. Access Productive Settings

    On your old phone, open Productive and go to Settings > Security.

  3. Transfer Codes

    Some authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator) allow you to transfer codes directly from one phone to another using a QR code. Follow the app's instructions to transfer your codes.

  4. Scan QR Code

    If you'd prefer not to transfer the codes or if the transfer doesn't work, go back to Settings > Security in Productive and remove the old authenticator app. Then, scan the new QR code that appears with your new phone's authenticator app.

  5. Confirm the Update

    The new codes will automatically replace the old ones, rendering your previous phone’s codes inactive.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve verified the new phone, double-check your recovery codes and store them securely.

Scenario 2: No Access to the Old Phone, But Still Logged Into Productive

If you've lost access to your old phone but are still logged into your Productive account, you can quickly update your 2FA settings by following these steps:

  1. Log In to Productive

    Since you’re already logged in, go to Settings > Security.

  2. Remove the Old Authenticator App

    In the Security settings, select the option to remove or disable the old app.

  3. Set Up 2FA on the New Device

    Install an authenticator app on your new phone, and use it to scan the new QR code that appears in Productive.

  4. Verify the New Codes

    Enter the six-digit code generated by your new phone’s authenticator app to complete the setup.

Scenario 3: No Access to the Old Phone and Unable to Log In

If you've lost your old phone and can’t log in to your Productive account, don’t worry—there’s a quick solution to regain access.

  1. Contact the Account Owner

    Reach out to the Productive account owner for assistance.

  2. The Owner Can Send You Recovery Codes

    The account owner can generate and send you recovery codes through the Productive settings (Settings > Users > three-dot menu > Send 2FA recovery).

  3. Log Back Into Productive

    Once you receive the recovery codes, use one to log back into your account.

  4. Set Up 2FA on Your New Device

    After logging in, go to Settings > Security, then scan the new QR code with your new authenticator app to update your 2FA setup.

Tip: If you are the account owner and unable to access your account, reach out to our support team for assistance! They'll help you recover your access quickly.

Not sure who the account owner is? No problem! Anyone already logged in to Productive can head over to Settings > Owner and check the information visible there ✅

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