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Set up two-factor authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security to your Sharesies account by setting up two-factor authentication (2FA).

Sharesies Help avatar
Written by Sharesies Help
Updated over a week ago

How 2FA works

While 2FA is turned on, you’ll need to enter your password and a code from your authenticator app every time you log in to your Sharesies account.

2FA makes it much harder for anyone else to get into your account—even if someone gets hold of your password.

Download an authenticator app

To set up 2FA on Sharesies, you’ll need to download a valid third-party app to your phone, tablet, or computer that supports time-based one time passwords (TOTP).

Some popular (and generally free to use) examples of these apps are:

  • Google Authenticator

  • Authy

  • Microsoft Authenticator

  • LastPass Authenticator.

We strongly recommend that you don’t let anyone else access your authenticator app.

Either set up the authenticator app on a device that only you use, like your phone, or use an authenticator app with a PIN code if using a shared tablet or computer.

Set up 2FA on Sharesies (mobile or web)

  1. Log in to Sharesies.

  2. Head to Settings > Two-factor authentication (2FA)

  3. Select ‘Set up 2FA’ and enter your Sharesies password.

  4. Download an authenticator app (like the ones mentioned above).

  5. Paste the key you see in Sharesies into your authenticator app to generate a 6-digit verification code. The verification code is time-based, and will expire after a certain amount of time. If it expires, you’ll need to use a new code.

  6. If this doesn’t work, you can scan a QR code on a mobile device instead (the QR code should automatically appear on a desktop).

  7. Enter the verification code from the authenticator app in Sharesies.

  8. Once you’ve entered the 6-digit code, select ‘Turn on 2FA’. You’ll see an ‘On’ flag once 2FA is turned on and good to go.

It’s important to note that once you’ve set up 2FA, you’ll need to have access to your authenticator app.

Without the ability to generate codes, you run the risk of being locked out of your Sharesies account.

If you’ve lost access to your authenticator app, reach out to the team at help@sharesies.co.nz.

Turn off 2FA

  1. Log in to Sharesies.

  2. Head to Settings > Two-factor authentication (2FA)

  3. Select Turn off 2FA.

  4. Head to your authenticator app and copy your latest 6-digit verification code. Enter the code from the authenticator app in Sharesies and select ‘Turn off 2FA’.

  5. The flag will show as ‘Off’. Turn 2FA back on at any time by following the ‘Set up 2FA’ process above.

If you’re having trouble, reach out to the team at help@sharesies.co.nz.

Change 2FA to a different phone or authenticator app

  1. Log in to Sharesies.

  2. Head to Settings > Two-factor authentication (2FA)

  3. Select Turn off 2FA.

  4. Head to your current authenticator app, and copy your latest 6-digit verification code.

  5. Head back into your Sharesies account and enter the verification code.

  6. Select Turn off 2FA.

  7. Select Set up 2FA and follow the prompts to set up 2FA with the authenticator app you want to use.

Learn about the security measures we have in place to protect your investments and identify fraudulent activity on Sharesies.

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