How to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with Text Message
If you'd rather not install an authenticator app, you can use text message as your second factor. First Connect will text you a 6-digit code each time you sign in.
Setup steps
- When First Connect prompts you to set up your second factor, choose Text Message.
- Enter your mobile phone number. Please use the number you actively carry, as verification codes will be sent to this number upon sign in. This number can be different from the phone number we currently have on file.
- Click Send code. We'll text a 6-digit code to that number within a few seconds.
- Type the code into the box on First Connect and click Verify.
- Save your recovery code — this is your backup if you ever lose your phone. Store it in a password manager or somewhere safe.
From now on, when you sign in
- Enter your email and password.
- We'll text a 6-digit code to your registered phone number.
- Type the code into First Connect.
Not getting the text?
- Make sure your phone has signal and isn't in airplane mode.
- Confirm the phone number on file is correct (you can check under Login and Security).
- Text message delivery can take a minute or two — give it some time before requesting another code.
- If you've recently changed phone numbers, update your number so codes go to the new phone.
- If codes still aren't arriving, contact support.
An authenticator app is more reliable than text message — it works without cell signal and isn't affected by carrier delays or SIM-swap attacks. If you can, we recommend using an authenticator app instead. See How to set up MFA with an authenticator app.
Tips
- Save your recovery code right away. It's only shown once.
- If you get a new phone or change carriers, update your MFA phone number.
- Consider adding an authenticator app as a second method, so you have a backup if you ever can't get texts.
Multi-Factor Authentication FAQ
|
Question |
Answer |
|
What's an authenticator app? |
A free app you install on your phone that generates a 6-digit code every 30 seconds. Common options: Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or 1Password. |
|
Can I use email as my second factor? |
No. We require the 6-digit code you receive via authenticator app or text message. |
|
What's a recovery code? |
A backup code shown once when you first set up MFA. Save it somewhere safe (a password manager works well). If you ever lose your phone, you can use it to sign in. |
|
I lost my phone — how do I sign in? |
If you saved your recovery code, enter it at the MFA prompt. If not, contact support and we'll verify your identity and reset things for you. |
|
I never saved my recovery code. |
Contact support. We'll need to verify your identity before resetting your MFA. |
|
"Keep me signed in" expired before 7 days. |
The token resets if you sign out, or if you sign in from a different device. If neither applies, contact support. |
Related articles
i. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Overview
ii. What is Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and why First Connect requires it
iii. Creating a password
iv. How to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with an authenticator app
v. How to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with Text Message
vi. How to reset or change your password
vii. What to do if you lose access to your factor
viii. How to add or disable a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method