Setting up an authenticator app for two-factor authentication

You can add an authenticator app as a second sign-in factor from your account's Security settings. Paysavo works with Google Authenticator or any other authenticator app that generates standard 6-digit time-based codes (TOTP) — this includes most common authenticator apps, not just one specific brand.

How it works

When you start setup, Paysavo generates a unique secret key for your account and turns it into a QR code you scan with your authenticator app (you can also enter the secret key manually if you can't scan a code). The app then begins generating a new 6-digit code roughly every 30 seconds. To finish setup, you enter the current code from your app back into Paysavo, which checks it against your account's secret before turning the authenticator app on.

As soon as setup is confirmed, Paysavo also generates a set of one-time backup recovery codes and shows them to you once — save these somewhere safe, since you'll need them if you ever lose access to your authenticator app (see "Your two-factor authentication recovery codes" for details).

On the Security page, the authenticator app is positioned as your backup sign-in method — if you also have a passkey set up, Paysavo treats the passkey as your primary/fastest sign-in method and the authenticator app as the strong backup for when your passkey device isn't available.

How to set it up

1. Go to your account's Security settings and open the Authenticator App section.
2. Choose the option to set up the authenticator app — this generates your QR code and secret key.
3. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app (or enter the secret key manually), then note the 6-digit code it displays.
4. Enter that 6-digit code back into Paysavo to confirm setup.
5. Save the recovery codes shown immediately after — they won't be shown again later.

Troubleshooting

• "The authenticator code did not match" — authenticator codes are time-based and expire quickly. Make sure your phone's clock is accurate and try entering the newest code shown in your app rather than one that's about to expire.
• "Authenticator app is already configured" — this appears if you try to start setup again while an authenticator app is already active on your account; disable it first if you want to set up a new one.
• If you lose access to your authenticator app entirely, use one of your saved recovery codes to sign in, or contact Paysavo support if you no longer have any.

Related terms: TOTP, Google Authenticator, 2FA app, six-digit code, one-time code, authenticator setup.

Still need help? Contact Paysavo support.