When you sign in to Sage HR, the system asks you to set up 2FA. This adds extra security by requiring you to approve the sign‑in or enter a 6‑digit code.
Why does Sage HR ask me to set this up?
You see this prompt for one of these reasons:
You use a Customer Sage account
You use an Employee Sage account, and an admin enabled 2FA for your company
How do I set up 2FA?
When you log in, and the system prompts you to set up 2FA, click Set up 2-factor authentication.
Confirm your First name and Last name, then click Continue.
You're presented with a QR code. This is for setting up 2FA using Sage Verify or another authenticator app. However, other options are also available.
📎NOTE: When you don’t see a QR code or setup screen and Sage HR asks for a code, you have already set up 2FA. To set it up again, reset 2FA first.
What are my 2FA options?
Sage Verify app (recommended)
The Sage Verify mobile app makes signing in easier when you use notifications.
When you log in and need to complete 2FA, Sage Verify sends a notification to your phone. You tap it to approve the sign‑in. This removes the need to copy codes from an authenticator app, text message, or phone call.
Sage Verify can also give you a 6‑digit code to type in if you want. Using notifications is the quickest and easiest way.
To get started, follow Set up the Sage Verify mobile app for 2FA.
Other methods
You can also use other ways to verify your login. These options ask you to enter a code on the sign‑in screen:
Authentication app – Open the app and enter the 6‑digit code shown
Voice – Answer a call or listen to voicemail to hear the 6‑digit code
Text – Enter the 6‑digit code sent by text message
Select the option below for your preferred 2FA method to see the steps on how to set it up.
Authenticator app
Authenticator app
Download an authenticator app of your choice onto your phone.
Sage's 2FA is compatible with most mobile authenticator apps. A few of the best-known are:
Scan the QR code using your authenticator app.
📌TIP: If you can't scan the code, click Cannot scan the QR code. Copy a key and paste it into your authenticator app instead.
Enter the 6-digit code from the app, then click Continue.
You're presented with a recovery key to use when you don't have access to your authenticator app.
Click Copy code to clipboard, then paste it and store it somewhere safe.⚠️CAUTION: Don't continue until you've done this.
Once you've noted your recovery key, select I have saved my recovery key, then click Continue.
You're now logged in to your company and all set up to log in again using 2FA.
Phone call
Phone call
📎NOTE: If you choose phone call, you won't be able to verify yourself if your network ever has issues.
Click Authenticate a different way instead, at the bottom of the screen.
Click Phone (Text message or phone call).
Ensure you highlight the Phone call box, enter your phone number, then click Continue
Enter the 6-digit code you're provided, then click Continue.
You're presented with a recovery key. This is when you don't have access to your mobile device to authenticate.
Click Copy code to clipboard, then paste it and store it somewhere safe.
⚠️CAUTION: Don't continue until you've done this.
Once you've noted your recovery key, select I have saved my recovery key, then click Continue.
You're now logged in to your company and all set up to log in again using 2FA.
Text
Text
📎NOTE: If you choose text, you won't be able to verify yourself if your network ever has issues.
Select Authenticate a different way instead, at the bottom of the screen.
Click Phone (Text message or phone call).
Ensure you've highlighted the Phone call box.
Enter your phone number, then click Continue
Enter the 6-digit code you're provided, then click Continue.
You're presented with a recovery key. This is when you don't have access to your mobile device to authenticate.
Click Copy code to clipboard, then paste it and store it somewhere safe.
⚠️CAUTION: Don't continue until you've done this.
Once you've noted your recovery key, select I have saved my recovery key, then click Continue.
You're now logged in to your company and all set up to log in again using 2FA.
Desktop authenticator app
Desktop authenticator app
Desktop authenticators are compatible with Sage 2FA, but we can't recommend a specific one. It's quicker and easier to use Sage Verify or another mobile authenticator app.
If you're using a desktop authenticator app, add a new account by following the app's instructions.
For more help, check your app's website or help centre.
📎NOTE: Some desktop authenticators charge fees. We don't recommend a specific one for Sage 2FA.
Set up a backup method
If you use a 'Customer' Sage account, we recommend you set up a backup method.
This is an alternative email address or phone number you can use to access a new recovery key to log in. Alternatively, you can use the backup method to reset your 2FA.
📌TIP: You can tell which Sage account you use by looking at your login screen. Use the following article:
Can multiple people use the same login
Each user must have their own login credentials and 2FA setup. Sharing account details with others creates a significant security risk and can lead to unauthorised access and difficulty tracking changes to your data.