Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication in ActivistCentral

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your ActivistCentral account.

After you enable it, signing in requires both your password and a 6-digit code from an authenticator app.

You can use apps such as:

• Google Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator
• 1Password
• Authy
• Another compatible authenticator app

Open Security Settings

Go to:

Settings → Security

Two-factor authentication is managed on your personal ActivistCentral account.

Organization Admins, Managers, and Volunteers can all manage their own security settings.

Before You Begin

You will need access to your authenticator app each time you sign in.

If you are replacing your phone, turn off two-factor authentication and set it up again on your new device while you still have access to your current authenticator.

If you lose access to your authenticator, contact ActivistCentral for help recovering your account.

Resetting your password does not turn off two-factor authentication.

Set Up Your Authenticator

From Settings → Security:

1. Select Set up authenticator.
2. Open your authenticator app.
3. Scan the QR code shown in ActivistCentral.

If you cannot scan the QR code, you can enter the manual setup secret instead.

1. Your authenticator app will begin showing a 6-digit code.
2. Enter that code in ActivistCentral.
3. Select Verify and enable.

When setup is complete, the Security page will show two-factor authentication as Enabled.

What Happens When You Sign In

Once two-factor authentication is enabled, sign in with your ActivistCentral email address and password as usual.

ActivistCentral will then ask for the 6-digit code currently shown in your authenticator app.

Enter the code and select Verify.

You will be asked for an authenticator code after each new sign-in.

You will not be asked again simply because you refresh a page while you are already signed in.

If a Code Does Not Work

Authenticator codes change automatically after a short period of time.

If ActivistCentral says a code is invalid or expired:

1. Check your authenticator app for the current code.
2. Enter the newest 6-digit code.
3. Try again.

Turning Off Two-Factor Authentication

You can disable two-factor authentication from:

Settings → Security

Select:

Disable two-factor authentication

Then confirm that you want to turn it off.

You must already be signed in and have completed two-factor authentication for the current session.

After it is disabled, your account will use password-only sign-in until you set up an authenticator again.

Changing to a New Phone

If you still have access to your current authenticator:

1. Sign in to ActivistCentral.
2. Go to Settings → Security.
3. Disable two-factor authentication.
4. Set it up again using the authenticator app on your new phone.

ActivistCentral currently supports one authenticator setup at a time, so it is best to make this change before you lose access to your old device.

If You Lose Your Authenticator

If you lose your phone, delete the authenticator entry, or otherwise lose access to your authentication codes, you will not be able to complete the normal sign-in process.

A password reset will not remove two-factor authentication.

Contact ActivistCentral for help recovering access to your account.

Your Organization Admin cannot reset two-factor authentication for you.

Two-Factor Authentication and Multiple Organizations

Two-factor authentication protects your ActivistCentral account, not just one organization.

If your account belongs to more than one ActivistCentral organization, you only need to enable two-factor authentication once.

The same protected sign-in applies wherever you use that account.