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Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Why it matters, how to set it up, and what to do if something goes wrong

Written by Milica

Multi-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account. Once it's enabled, you'll need to enter a time-based code from your authenticator app, along with your regular login details.

This article covers why 2FA matters, how to set it up, and what to do if you ever lose access to your authenticator.

Why 2FA matters

Your password alone protects your account only as well as that one password stays secret. If it's ever guessed, reused from another site, or exposed in a data breach, anyone who has it can log in as you.

2FA closes that gap. Even if someone has your password, they can't get into your account without also having your authenticator app open and unlocked on your phone. This matters even more for a VAT4U account, since it holds your company's VAT data, invoices, and claim history.

We strongly recommend every VAT4U user enables 2FA.

Setting up 2FA

  1. Login to VAT4U.

  2. Click My Account in the top left corner. This takes you to your account profile.

  3. Go to the Security tab.

  4. Click Activate to start the 2FA setup process.

  5. Open Authenticator app on your mobile device. If you don't have it yet, it's a free download from the:

    1. Google Play Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator

    2. Apple App Store Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator

  6. Scan the QR code shown on your VAT4U screen your selected Authenticator mobile application. This links your account to the app that will generate time based 6 digit code.

  7. Download Recovery codes and store them in a secure place. You can use them to login and change 2FA device in case you loose access to your phone.

You're all set. From now on, enter the 6-digit code shown in your authenticator app alongside your password when you login.

Use "Remember me for 7 days" option to avoid typing 2FA code too often.

Keep your authenticator app installed on a device you have consistent access to — you'll need it often.

If you lose access to your authenticator app

This can happen if you lose your phone, switch to a new device, or accidentally uninstall your authenticator app.

You have few options in this case:

  1. Use one of the recovery codes that you previously downloaded.

    Once you login, navigate again to 2FA setup page and re-setup 2FA on your new phone.

  2. Reach out to VAT4U support for account recovery assistance

    Support will verify your identity before removing 2FA from your account, so have your email ready to chat with us. Once 2FA has been reset on your account, log in with your password and go straight to My Account → Security to set it up again on your current device.

Getting a new phone?

Set up Google Authenticator on your new device before wiping or handing back the old one, so you're never left without a working authenticator app.

Good to know

Codes not working?

Authenticator codes are time-based, so if your phone's clock has drifted, a correct-looking code can still be rejected. Most authenticator apps have a "time correction" or "sync time" option in their settings that fixes this in seconds.

Never share your 2FA code with anyone

If someone is contacting you claiming to be VAT4U Support or your manager. We will never ask for your 2FA code by phone, email, or chat.

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