Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that is also known as multi-factor authentication.
In addition to the username and password, a user also has to provide a piece of information, only accessible to them - often called a security token. This makes it harder for unauthorized people to use your account or access your personal data.
There are two available methods for two-factor authentication:
- An authenticator app, such as Google authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy
- SMS / Text message
Looking for a resource to share with your employees? Send them the step-by-step guide to setting up 2FA for employees!
Plan ahead to ensure payroll access while you are out of office or overseas
IMPORTANT! If you are unable to access SMS for your 2FA code, you will not be able to sign into your account and run payroll. If you will be overseas or otherwise unable to receive the 2FA code to your phone, you must plan for how you will continue to run your payroll.
How can I prepare for a smooth payroll while I’m overseas or out of office?
If you are planning to be overseas or out of office, set yourself up for a smooth payroll with one or more of these strategies:
- Change your two-factor authentication method to an authenticator app rather than SMS
- Run the payrolls before you leave
- Add a payroll administrator who can edit or run the payroll on your behalf
We strongly recommend that even if you run the payrolls before you leave or use an authenticator app, you still add another payroll administrator to your account. This will ensure that you can make any unanticipated changes to your payroll.
I can’t access 2FA to sign into my Wagepoint account because I’m overseas. What can I do?
- Try turning on roaming services to see if you can receive your 2FA code. Depending on the country you are in, your service provider, and local regulations, you may be able to receive the 2FA code.
- You may be able to use a third-party SMS text service provider to receive the 2FA code. Note that there is often a cost associated with these services and that these providers are also subject to local regulations.
- To ensure the security of your account, we require a verification process in order to reset your 2FA. If you are unable to receive text messages or calls overseas, then this may impact our ability to verify your identity and reset 2FA for your account. This is why it is crucial for you to plan ahead to avoid disruptions to your payroll.
Set up 2FA using an authenticator app
1. In the top navigation bar, go to Settings > Account Settings.
2. Navigate to the Security tab.
3. Click Enable Two-factor authentication.
4. Review the information about two-factor authentication, click Continue, and enter your password.
6. Next, download the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone. Get more help with Google Authenticator here.
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- From your iPhone, open the App Store.
- Search for the Google Authenticator app and install.
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- From your Android, open the Google Play Store.
- Search for the Google Authenticator app and install.
7. Click Continue with iOS or Continue with Android.
- If you have an Apple iPhone, select Continue with iOS.
- If you have an Android, select Continue with Android.
8. In the Google Authenticator app, tap the + button and scan the barcode from within Wagepoint.
9. Once Wagepoint has been added to your authenticator app, enter the 6-digit verification code and click Continue.
9. Save your single use recovery keys, then click Continue.
- Several recovery keys will be generated that are specific to your account. Each key is single use.
- These keys will allow you to access your account in the event that your two-step authentication method fails.
- Use the Printer icon to print your recovery keys.
10. Your 2FA setup is complete! From now on, you'll need to enter a verification code from the Google Authenticator app when you log into Wagepoint. Click Done.
Set up 2FA using SMS / text message
Two-factor authentication using SMS requires a Canadian or US phone number.
1. In the top navigation bar, go to Settings > Account Settings.
2. Navigate to the Security tab.
3. Click Enable Two-factor authentication.
4. Enter your password, then click Continue.
5. Under Choose how you'd like to receive your 2FA code, select SMS (Text message) - Canada and US only, then click Continue.
6. Enter your phone number, then click Continue.
7. A 6-digit verification code will be sent to your phone. Enter the code, and click Continue.
- The code is valid for 1 minute. After 1 minute, click Resend Code.
- If you'd like this device to be remembered for 30 days, select the checkbox.
Your 2FA is successfully updated!
Note: In order for the verification process to work, the "Date & Time" settings on your smartphone and computer must match, displaying the same time. If your phone and computer are displaying different times, navigate to Settings > System > Date & Time on your devices and select the option that allows you to "use the date and time provided by your network" or use "automatic" date and time settings.
Issues with your 2FA?
If you can’t access your Wagepoint account because your 2FA is unavailable, follow the steps below:
If you set up your 2FA using Google Authenticator, you are provided with several single-use recovery codes. On the authentication page, click "I need help with an authentication code." Then, enter your 16-digit recovery code.
If you don’t have access to recovery codes, ask another administrator or your Wagepoint partner to reset your 2FA.
If you are not connected with a Wagepoint partner and there are no other administrators on your account, please create a support ticket and one of our friendly support agents will get in touch.
FAQs: Two-factor authentication
- When it comes to payroll, security is paramount. 2FA, or Two-Factor Authentication, is a layer of protection beyond simple passwords. Just like a padlock on your briefcase, it adds another step to secure access.
At its core, 2FA combines two elements: something you know (like a password) and something you have (such as a phone). With both of these combined, the likelihood that someone could access your account is lowered significantly. - Yes, you can choose to authenticate via SMS or the Authenticator app.
- 2FA will become mandatory for all Wagepoint accounts on July 31, 2025. We strongly encourage you to enable 2FA as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access when the change takes effect.
- Select the SMS option for 2FA if you’d like to use the “Remember this device for 30 days” option and minimize prompts to re-authenticate 2FA for your account.
- Don't worry, another administrator or a Wagepoint partner can reset your 2FA for you.
- The Google Authenticator app is the best choice if you do not have a Canadian or US-based number, or if you travel frequently.