Docs / Getting Started / Setting Up 2FA

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an essential layer of security to your account by requiring both your password and a time-based code from your phone to log in.

2FA is mandatory for all PioneerChat users. You cannot access the service without completing 2FA setup.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A smartphone with an authenticator app installed
  • Access to your PioneerChat login credentials

Supported Authenticator Apps

You can use any TOTP-compatible authenticator app. We recommend:

App Platform Download
Microsoft Authenticator iOS, Android App Store / Google Play
Google Authenticator iOS, Android App Store / Google Play
Authy iOS, Android, Desktop authy.com

Setup Steps

1. Scan the QR Code

After setting your password, you'll see a screen with a QR code. Open your authenticator app and scan this code:

  1. Open your authenticator app
  2. Tap the + or Add Account button
  3. Select Scan QR Code
  4. Point your phone's camera at the QR code on screen

The app will automatically add your PioneerChat account and start generating 6-digit codes.

2. Manual Entry (Alternative)

If you can't scan the QR code, you can enter the secret key manually:

  1. Click Can't scan? Enter code manually
  2. Copy the secret key shown on screen
  3. In your authenticator app, select Enter setup key
  4. Paste or type the secret key
  5. Name the account (e.g., "PioneerChat")

3. Verify Your Setup

Once your authenticator app is showing codes:

  1. Look at the 6-digit code displayed in your authenticator app
  2. Enter this code in the verification field on screen
  3. Click Verify

Tip: Codes refresh every 30 seconds. If your code is about to expire (timer almost empty), wait for the new code to avoid verification errors.

4. Setup Complete

Once verified, you'll be automatically logged in and taken to the PioneerChat homepage. Your 2FA setup is now complete.

Logging In with 2FA

Each time you log in to PioneerChat:

  1. Enter your username and password
  2. Open your authenticator app
  3. Enter the current 6-digit code
  4. Click Verify

Troubleshooting

Code not working

  • Check the time: Ensure your phone's time is set to automatic. Incorrect time settings cause code mismatches.
  • Use the latest code: If the code is about to expire, wait for the next one.
  • Correct account: Make sure you're reading the code from your PioneerChat entry, not another service.

Lost access to authenticator app

If you've lost your phone or can't access your authenticator app, contact your IT administrator immediately. They can reset your 2FA so you can set it up again.

New phone

Before switching phones, make sure to either:

  • Use an authenticator app with cloud backup (like Authy or Microsoft Authenticator)
  • Contact your IT administrator to reset your 2FA on your new device
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