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This version of GitHub Enterprise was discontinued on 2023-01-18. No patch releases will be made, even for critical security issues. For better performance, improved security, and new features, upgrade to the latest version of GitHub Enterprise. For help with the upgrade, contact GitHub Enterprise support.

Configuring two-factor authentication

In this article

You can choose among multiple options to add a second source of authentication to your account.

You can configure two-factor authentication (2FA) using a mobile app. You can also add a security key.

We strongly recommend using a time-based one-time password (TOTP) application to configure 2FA. Many TOTP apps support the secure backup of your authentication codes in the cloud and can be restored if you lose access to your device.

Warning:

  • If you're a member or outside collaborator to a private repository of an organization that requires two-factor authentication, you must leave the organization before you can disable 2FA on your GitHub Enterprise Server instance.
  • If you disable 2FA, you will automatically lose access to the organization and any private forks you have of the organization's private repositories. To regain access to the organization and your forks, re-enable two-factor authentication and contact an organization owner.

Configuring two-factor authentication using a TOTP mobile app

A time-based one-time password (TOTP) application automatically generates an authentication code that changes after a certain period of time. We recommend using cloud-based TOTP apps such as:

Tip: To configure authentication via TOTP on multiple devices, during setup, scan the QR code using each device at the same time. If 2FA is already enabled and you want to add another device, you must re-configure 2FA from your security settings.

  1. Download a TOTP app.

  2. In the upper-right corner of any page, click your profile photo, then click Settings.

    Settings icon in the user bar

  3. In the left sidebar, click Account security. Personal account security settings

  4. Under "Two-factor authentication", click Enable two-factor authentication. Enable two-factor authentication option

  5. Under "Two-factor authentication", select Set up using an app and click Continue.

  6. Under "Authentication verification", do one of the following:

    • Scan the QR code with your mobile device's app. After scanning, the app displays a six-digit code that you can enter on GitHub Enterprise Server.
    • If you can't scan the QR code, click enter this text code to see a code that you can manually enter in your TOTP app instead. Click enter this code

  7. The TOTP mobile application saves your account on your GitHub Enterprise Server instance and generates a new authentication code every few seconds. On GitHub Enterprise Server, type the code into the field under "Enter the six-digit code from the application". TOTP enter code field

  8. Under "Save your recovery codes", click Download to download your recovery codes to your device. Save them to a secure location because your recovery codes can help you get back into your account if you lose access. List of recovery codes to download

  9. After saving your two-factor recovery codes, click I have saved my recovery codes to enable two-factor authentication for your account.

  10. Optionally, you can configure additional 2FA methods to reduce your risk of account lockout. For more details on how to configure each additional method, see "Configuring two-factor authentication using GitHub Mobile" and "Configuring two-factor authentication using a security key". Additional two-factor methods section

  11. After you've saved your recovery codes and enabled 2FA, we recommend you sign out and back in to your account. In case of problems, such as a forgotten password or typo in your email address, you can use recovery codes to access your account and correct the problem.

Configuring two-factor authentication using a security key

After you configure 2FA, using a time-based one-time password (TOTP) mobile app, you can add a security key, like a fingerprint reader or Windows Hello. The technology that enables authentication with a security key is called WebAuthn. WebAuthn is the successor to U2F and works in all modern browsers. For more information, see "WebAuthn" and "Can I Use."

On most devices and browsers, you can use a physical security key over USB or NFC. Some browsers can use the fingerprint reader, facial recognition, or password/PIN on your device as a security key.

Authentication with a security key is secondary to authentication with a TOTP application. If you lose your security key, you'll still be able to use your phone's code to sign in.

  1. You must have already configured 2FA via a TOTP mobile app.

  2. Ensure that you have a WebAuthn compatible security key inserted into your computer.

  3. In the upper-right corner of any page, click your profile photo, then click Settings.

    Settings icon in the user bar

  4. In the left sidebar, click Account security. Personal account security settings

  5. Next to "Security keys", click Add. Add security keys option

  6. Under "Security keys", click Register new security key. Registering a new security key

  7. Type a nickname for the security key, then click Add. Providing a nickname for a security key

  8. Activate your security key, following your security key's documentation. Prompt for a security key

  9. Confirm that you've downloaded and can access your recovery codes. If you haven't already, or if you'd like to generate another set of codes, download your codes and save them in a safe place. For more information, see "Downloading your 2FA recovery codes."

  10. After you've saved your recovery codes and enabled 2FA, we recommend you sign out and back in to your account. In case of problems, such as a forgotten password or typo in your email address, you can use recovery codes to access your account and correct the problem.

Further reading