Deactivating two-factor authentication (2FA) or switching devices
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This article explains how to deactivate an already set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for an IONOS product or service, or how to move it to a new device.
Two-factor authentication at IONOS explained briefly
Two-step verification, also known as two-factor authentication or 2FA, is a method of securing access to your IONOS product. After entering your login information, usually email and password, a second security feature (factor) is requested. This second check can be carried out via an authenticator app (TOTP) or the IONOS Mobile App:
Authenticator app (TOTP): Generates one-time, time-limited passwords. Various providers can be found in the iOS and Android app markets. Read more in the Help Centre article "Using an authenticator app (TOTP) for two-factor authentication".
IONOS Mobile App: The app for IONOS customers also offers two-factor authentication. Read more in the Help Centre article "Using the IONOS Mobile App for two-factor authentication". You can read about the advantages of the IONOS Mobile App on our product page "IONOS Mobile App".
Authenticator app: Disable and re-enable two-factor authentication
Ideally, both devices (old and new) should be available to you when changing hardware. This makes it possible to deactivate them via your IONOS account:
- Log in to your IONOS account.
- Enter the six-digit code that is displayed in your authenticator app on the old device
- Click on Menu > My account in the title bar.
- Click on Login & account security.
- Click on the link Manage two-factor authentication next to Two-factor authentication.
- Click on Deactivate.
- Confirm the security notice to deactivate two-factor authentication. The corresponding entry on your old device can now no longer be used for logging in.
- Create an entry in the app for use on the new device as described in the Help Centre article "Using an authenticator app (TOTP) for two-factor authentication".
Note
Some TOTP apps have an import and export function for entries. If you use such a function, you do not need to deactivate it via your IONOS account. Export the entry according to the instructions on your old device and import it on the new device.
IONOS Mobile App: Deactivate and move two-factor authentication
Install the IONOS Mobile App on your new device.
Open the IONOS Mobile App on the new device and log in.
Confirm the login in the IONOS Mobile App on your old device.
Device lost or not accessible
If you have lost your old device, you can only deactivate two-factor authentication using the recovery code. The Help Centre article "Disabling two-factor authentication" describes how to do this.