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How do I set up and manage two-factor authentication?

One of the simplest and most common ways to effectively secure your account from unwanted access by shady individuals is with two-factor authentication. If you’re asking yourself “How do I set up and manage two-factor authentication?” then you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll explain what two-factor authentication is, how it works and how to use it. 

What is two-factor authentication? 

Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is a security feature that requires you to provide two methods of verification to access your account — usually a password and something else. It’s similar to providing two forms of ID at a government office, and is meant to keep your account information extra secure. A lot of social media sites, email providers and Mint Mobile (of course) support and encourage the use of 2FA for account security. 

To access your Mint Mobile account with 2FA enabled, you’ll need to provide a security code from a third-party authentication app to confirm that you’re the one logging into your account, not some weirdo trying to mess with your SIM.

What third-party applications does Mint Mobile support?

Our two-factor authentication service is a TOTP, which means “time-based one-time password.” We recommend using a third-party TOTP app like Authy or Google Authenticator. If you have a newer iPhone, you can actually set up 2FA right in the iPhone’s settings.

How do I log in to my third-party application?

How you log in to your third-party app will depend on the app. You’ll want to check out their websites to learn more about how they work. For subscribers who set up 2FA in their iPhone settings, you’ll want to visit the Apple Support section for login instructions.

When do I need to provide the security code?

Once two-factor authentication has been enabled on your account, you’ll be asked to provide a security code every time you attempt to log in or contact our Care team.

Why do I need to verify my email to enable authentication?

Ideally, you would never get locked out of your account, but it happens. Providing a verified email address helps ensure we can get in contact with you if and when it does.

What’s the difference between 2-factor authentication and OTP?

OTP is built into our system and serves as a function for us to validate subscribers when making changes to their accounts (password resets, email address changes, SIM replacements, etc), while 2FA uses a third-party app to generate a one-time passcode that allows a subscriber to log in to their account.

How do I set up two-factor authentication?

Setting up two-factor authentication via the Mint Mobile app:

  1. Download the Google Authenticator or the Twilio Authy app if you haven’t done so already
  2. Open your Mint Mobile app and click My Account in the bottom left corner
  3. Scroll down to Security and select Two-Factor Authentication
    • Verify your email address and make sure your password is up-to-date before you toggle two-factor authentication on 
  4. Toggle it on and enter the SMS Confirmation Code that is sent to your phone number
  5. Copy the setup key provided on your phone screen and paste it into your third-party authentication app 
  6. Enter the authentication code generated by your authentication app into the Mint Mobile app to finish setting up two-factor authentication

Setting up two-factor authentication via the Mint Mobile website:

  1. Download the Google Authenticator or the Twilio Authy app if you haven’t done so already
  2. Log in to your Mint Mobile account at my.mintmobile.com/
  3. Locate My Account on the left side of the screen
  4. Go to My Profile and scroll down to two-factor authentication
    • Verify your email address and make sure your password is up-to-date before you toggle two-factor authentication on 
  5. Toggle it on and enter the SMS Confirmation Code that is sent to your phone number
  6. Scan the QR code that appears using your third-party app OR enter the setup key provided into your third-party authentication app and click “Continue”
  7. Enter the code generated by your authentication app into your Mint Mobile account on the screen to finish setting up two-factor authentication

How do I turn off two-factor authentication?

Once you’ve enabled two-factor authentication on your Mint Mobile account, you’ll need to log in and provide the security code from your third-party authentication app to access your account settings. From there you can simply toggle two-factor authentication off.

How do I log in once it’s enabled?

Once you’ve enabled two-factor authentication on your account, you’ll still log in like you normally do. You’ll just be asked to provide a security code from your third-party authentication app to validate that you’re the person attempting to access your account. So… just be yourself.

What if I lose my phone while authentication is turned on?

If you lose your phone and thus lose access to your authentication app, you’ll need to visit the app’s help section. They’ll be able to restore access to the security codes needed to get into your accounts. 

Can I use two-factor authentication with a new phone?

If you get a new phone, you can still use the service on your old phone to provide the security code. To set up two-factor authentication on your new device, you’ll need to download the same third-party app onto your new device. For newer Apple devices, two-factor authentication can be set up in your device settings again.

Do I still need a password once it’s turned on?

Yep, you’ll still need to log in with your account number and password to access your account, even with two-factor authentication enabled. The password is the first of the two factors, of course. 

What is Number Lock? 

Number Lock is a security feature that protects your SIM (whether it’s a physical SIM card or eSIM) from unauthorized changes. Your SIM is the chip that connects your phone to the Mint Mobile network, allowing you to make calls, send texts and use mobile data. It also stores your account info and phone number. Enabling Number Lock helps prevent shady characters from hijacking your SIM, your phone number and ultimately your account.