With 2FA enabled, you'll be asked to provide your 2FA authentication code, as well as your password, whenever you access GitHub Enterprise.

You'll be presented with a dialog asking you to enter your 2FA code, which will be generated from your TOTP application.

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.

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.

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. After entering your username and password, you'll be asked for your "Two-factor authentication code". In most cases, just launching the application will generate a new code. You should refer to your application's documentation for specific instructions. You can then enter this code to gain access to your account.

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.

When You'll Be Asked

There are several scenarios where you'll be asked to provide your 2FA code:

Through the web

If you sign into GitHub Enterprise through the website, you'll be provided with the following prompt asking for your 2FA code:

2FA dialog

If you're providing a recovery code you previously downloaded from GitHub Enterprise, you will need to click the Enter a two-factor recovery code link and follow the instructions for entering your recovery code instead of entering it in the Authentication Code box.

Through the API

With 2FA enabled, you'll need to pass along a special header containing your 2FA authentication code. More information can be found within our Developer Documentation.

Through GitHub for Mac

After setting up 2FA and reauthenticating to GitHub Enterprise, you'll be provided with the following prompt asking for your 2FA code:

GitHub for Mac asking for 2FA Code

You'll be presented with a dialog asking you to enter your 2FA code, which will be generated from your TOTP application.

Through GitHub for Windows

After setting up 2FA and reauthenticating to GitHub Enterprise, you'll be provided with the following prompt asking for your 2FA code:

GitHub for Windows asking for 2FA Code

You'll be presented with a dialog asking you to enter your 2FA code, which will be generated from your TOTP application.

Through the command-line

Instead of entering your password for HTTPS Git, you must provide a personal access token instead of entering your password.

2FA and Subversion (svn command line, tortoise svn, etc)

When you access a repository via Subversion, you must provide a personal access token instead of entering your password.