Multi-factor authentication backup codes
Multi-factor authentication backup codes
A backup code is a one-time-use code that will help you reset your multi-factor authentication (MFA).
If you’re locked out of your account because your phone is lost, damaged, or replaced – or if you’ve accidentally deleted the Okta Verify app – you can use a backup code to reset your MFA and get back into your account.
If you need to get MFA on a new phone – and you have both your old phone and backup codes – see how to set up MFA on a new smartphone.
- Go to the backup code generation tool and click Generate my backup codes.
- Store your codes safely using the email, print or download options provided. Each backup code can be used only once, so take note of which codes you have used. The codes in the image below are samples only.
How to get your backup codes
You can reset MFA yourself, using backup codes, without the need to call the Service Desk.
If you plan to get a new phone, it’s easiest to get MFA on your new phone while you have your old phone as well as backup codes.
Step-by-step instructions
How to reset MFA with a backup code
If you already have your backup codes and you’re locked out of your account, you can reset your MFA. If you need more help, see the step-by-step guide below.
Step-by-step instructions
You can use a backup code to reset your MFA and get back into your account once you’ve installed the Okta Verify app or Google Authenticator app on another smartphone. Or, if you’ve accidentally deleted Okta Verify or Google Authenticator, you can use a backup code to reset your MFA once you’ve reinstalled the app.
- Go to the self-service MFA reset tool and click Continue. We suggest that you bookmark the reset tool’s URL for future use.
- Enter your Monash email address and password and click Continue.
Follow step three if you’ve forgotten where you saved your backup codes. Otherwise, go to step four to reset using your codes. - After logging in, you’ll see this screen.
- If you emailed your backup codes, you'll see the email address they were sent to and the send date.
- If you downloaded your backup codes, you'll see the date the codes were generated.
If you’ve forgotten or can't find your downloaded backup codes, contact the Service Desk for assistance with the reset.
- If you emailed your backup codes, you'll see the email address they were sent to and the send date.
- Click Verify next to Backup Codes.
- Enter a backup code not already used and click Verify.
If you’ve used all of your backup codes, repeat the steps in how to get your backup codes to generate more. Or, if you can't remember the location of your backup codes, click the question mark next to Backup Codes.
- Click Reset next to Okta Verify or Google Authenticator and follow the prompts to get back into your account.
