Accessing GitHub using two-factor authentication

In this article

• Providing a 2FA code when signing in to the website
• Using two-factor authentication with the API
• Using two-factor authentication with GitHub Desktop
• Using two-factor authentication with the command line
• Using two-factor authentication to access a repository using Subversion
• Troubleshooting
• Further reading

With two-factor authentication enabled, you'll need to provide an authentication code when accessing GitHub Enterprise through the website, via the API, or via GitHub Desktop. If you access GitHub Enterprise using other methods, you'll need to provide an alternative second form of authentication.

Providing a 2FA code when signing in to the website

After you sign in to GitHub Enterprise using your password, you'll be prompted to provide an authentication code from your TOTP app.

GitHub Enterprise will only ask you to provide your 2FA authentication code again if you've logged out, are using a new device, or your session expires.

Generating a code through a TOTP application

If you chose to set up two-factor authentication using a TOTP application on your smartphone, you can generate an authentication code for GitHub Enterprise at any time. In most cases, just launching the application will generate a new code. You should refer to your application's documentation for specific instructions.

If you delete the mobile application after configuring two-factor authentication, you'll need to provide your recovery code to get access to your account. For more information, see "Recovering your account if you lose your two-factor authentication credentials"

Using two-factor authentication with the API

With 2FA enabled, you'll need to pass along a special header containing your 2FA authentication code. For more information, see "Other authentication methods" in the GitHub Developer documentation.

Using two-factor authentication with GitHub Desktop

For information on accessing GitHub Desktop with two-factor authentication, see "Authenticating to GitHub" in the GitHub Desktop documentation.

Using two-factor authentication with the command line

After you've enabled 2FA, you must use a personal access token or SSH key instead of your password when accessing GitHub Enterprise on the command line.

Authenticating on the command line using HTTPS

After you've enabled 2FA, you must create a personal access token to use as a password when authenticating to GitHub Enterprise on the command line using HTTPS URLs.

When prompted for a username and password on the command line, use your GitHub Enterprise username and personal access token. The command line prompt won't specify that you should enter your personal access token when it asks for your password.

For more information, see "Creating a personal access token for the command line."

Authenticating on the command line using SSH

Enabling 2FA doesn't change how you authenticate to GitHub Enterprise on the command line using SSH URLs. For more information about setting up and using an SSH key, see "Connecting to GitHub with SSH."

Using two-factor authentication to access a repository using Subversion

When you access a repository via Subversion, you must provide a personal access token instead of entering your password. For more information, see "Creating a personal access token for the command line."

Troubleshooting

If you lose access to your two-factor authentication credentials, you can use your recovery codes or another recovery method (if you've set one up) to regain access to your account. For more information, see "Recovering your account if you lose your 2FA credentials."

If your authentication fails several times, you may wish to synchronize your phone's clock with your mobile provider. Often, this involves checking the "Set automatically" option on your phone's clock, rather than providing your own time zone.

Further reading

• "About two-factor authentication"
• "Configuring two-factor authentication"
• "Configuring two-factor authentication recovery methods"
• "Recovering your account if you lose your two-factor authentication credentials"