Two-step authentication recovery codes

When you set up a two-step authentication method, you have the opportunity to save ten recovery codes and store them in a safe place. Recovery codes let you access your Shopify admin if any other authentication method isn't available. For example, if you don't have access to your mobile device, then you can use one of your recovery codes to log in to your account if it has two-step authentication activated.

Tip

If you don't want to rely on a mobile device, then you can have an additional built-in authenticator option that connects to the authentication method used for your computer, such as PIN, Touch ID, or Windows Hello.

It's also safer to activate an additional method of two-step authentication as a backup method when using built-in authenticator options.

Store your recovery codes in a safe, confidential location that you can access from anywhere. You can print, copy, or download the recovery codes. In addition, you can store your recovery codes in a password manager or a cloud storage location that you can access easily, such as:

• Dropbox
• iCloud
• Google Drive

Note

Each recovery code can be used only one time.

If you use all your recovery codes, then you can regenerate a new list of codes.

Retrieve and save your recovery codes

If you didn't save your recovery codes when you set up your authentication method, then you can retrieve them at any time. You must be logged in to your Shopify account to retrieve your recovery codes.

Steps:

1. From your Shopify admin, click your username and account picture.

2. Click Manage account > Security.

3. In the Two-step authentication section, under Save your recovery codes, click View codes.

4. Optional: If you've used all ten of your recovery codes previously, then click Generate new codes.

5. Do any of the following:

   • To print a PDF or hard copy of the recovery codes, click Print codes.
   • To copy and paste the recovery codes into an electronic document, click Copy codes.
   • To download the recovery codes to a txt file on your device, click Download codes.

6. Store your recovery codes in a safe, confidential location.

Note

Your downloaded recovery codes are stored in a file called shopify_recovery_codes.txt.