How do I set up two-factor authentication for my login?

For an added layer of security, two-factor authentication (2FA) is required for your FreshBooks account when logging in using an email and password. If your password is compromised or stolen, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that only you can sign in. Logins using Sign in with Apple and Sign in with Google do not require FreshBooks’ two-factor authentication.

2FA works by generating a unique six-digit code via email or via an authenticator app of your choice. The 2FA code is valid for 10 minutes and acts as a second form of authentication to verify your identity. Once authenticated, you’ll remain logged in for several days, or for 30 days if you choose Remember this device, before you’re asked to log in and re-authenticate.

 

Two-factor authentication (2FA) for FreshBooks logins (excluding Sign in with Apple and Google logins) will be activated on specific accounts over the coming months. Our product team is working on making 2FA available to all in the near future.

 

For details on how to log in and troubleshoot with two-factor authentication, review How do I login?. To manage your login information, review How do I manage my account profile and login?.

 

• Verify Via Email
• Verify Via Authenticator App
• Activate 2FA with an Authenticator App
• Register a New Device

 

Verify Via Email

Use a six-digit code emailed to you to verify every time you log into your FreshBooks account. Verify via email is automatically activated by default for all FreshBooks accounts.

If you’re already verifying with an authenticator app when logging in, and you’d like to switch to verify via email, you can use the below steps:

1. Select your profile picture or initials in the top right corner
2. Then select Account Profile
3. Under Account Verification Methods, select the Switch to email verification link if you’re already using Verify via authenticator app
   
4. Using your authenticator app, enter in the generated six-digit Authenticator App Verification Code
   
5. Then select Disconnect
6. Once disconnected, in your authenticator app, delete the FreshBooks account. Next time you sign into FreshBooks, you’ll be emailed a six-digit 2FA code each time.
   

 

Notes:

• If you’d like to no longer sign in using email, you can switch to verify via authenticator app instead
• If you’re having trouble receiving the verify via email FreshBooks code, review troubleshooting details in How do I log in?

 

Verify Via Authenticator App

Use an authenticator app to verify every time you log into your FreshBooks account.

 

If you’ve lost your phone or you can no longer access your authenticator app, reach out to our Support team to have your 2FA reset.

 

Activate 2FA with an Authenticator App

Before you can set up 2FA on your account, you’ll need to install an authenticator app on your device. FreshBooks 2FA can be used with most time-based, one-time password (TOTP) applications by using the below steps:

1. If you haven’t already, install an authenticator app on your device like Google Authenticator for iOS or Android, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, or 1Password
2. Select your profile picture or initials in the top right corner
3. Then select Account Profile
4. Under Account Verification Methods, next to Verify via authenticator app, select Set Up
   
5. Open your authenticator app, and add a new account, usually by selecting the plus (+) icon in most apps, then either:
   
   1. Scan the QR code with your mobile device’s camera
   2. Or enter the code manually by selecting the copy icon next to the alphanumeric string
6. Once the QR code is successfully scanned or manually entered, select Next
7. Then enter the six-digit Email Verification Code that was sent to the email address specified
   
8. Next, enter the newly generated six-digit Authenticator App Verification Code from your authenticator app
   
9. Select Complete to finish the verification. Next time you sign into FreshBooks, you’ll be prompted to enter a code from your authenticator app each time.
   

 

If you no longer want to sign in using an authenticator app, you can switch to verify via email instead.

 

Register a New Device

Register a new device if you’re replacing your old device with a new one. You’ll need access to the authenticator app on your old device.

 

If you’ve lost your phone or you can no longer access your authenticator app, reach out to our Support team to have your 2FA reset.

 

To register a new device, use these steps:

1. Select your profile picture or initials in the top right corner
2. Then select Account Profile
3. Under Verify via authenticator app, select Register new device
   
4. Next, enter the newly generated six-digit Authenticator App Verification Code from your old device's authenticator app
5. Select Disconnect. The authenticator app on the old device will no longer be required for login and can be deleted. You can then follow the Activate 2FA with an Authenticator App steps above with your new device's authenticator app.