Enabling Two-Factor Authentication for Cloudways Account

TL;DR? Read the summary of this article:

Activate Two‑Factor Authentication (TFA) – In your Cloudways Dashboard, go to the Account → Security tab and click “Activate TFA.”
Set up your authenticator app – Scan the QR code or enter the key manually using a TOTP app like Google Authenticator or Authy, then enter the six-digit code to verify.
Generate backup codes (optional but recommended) – Download 12 single-use backup codes to use if you lose access to your authenticator app.
Login process and options – After enabling TFA, you'll need both your password and the TFA code to log in. Backup codes or SMS (for account owners) can be used as alternatives, and you can choose to trust a device for 30 days.
Deactivate if needed – You can turn off TFA at any time from the same Security tab.

Keeping your Cloudways account secure is important, especially when managing servers, applications, and billing details.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a one-time verification code in addition to your account password when you log in.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to enable Two-Factor Authentication for your Cloudways account step by step.

We’ll explain what 2FA is, why it’s recommended, and how you can set it up using an authenticator app.

You’ll also learn how to generate backup codes, log in after enabling 2FA, and disable it if needed.

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Table of Contents:

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication for Your Cloudways Account
Login to your TFA activated Cloudways Account
Deactivating TFA on Your Account
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Enabling Two-Factor Authentication for Your Cloudways Account

Step #1 - Activate TFA for Your Cloudways Account:

2. Next, go to the Security tab in the Account option.

3. Now, click on Activate TFA in the Security tab.

4. You will receive a 6 digit/alphabet security code on your email address.

5. You will also need to install a third-party authenticator application on your phone.

5. While you can opt for any Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) authenticator application you trust, we recommend Google Authenticator or Authy 2-Factor Authentication.

Step #2 - Connect Application with the Cloudways Account:

When you click the button, a popup with a QR code and a key will appear.
Scan the QR code with the authenticator application to connect the application with the Cloudways account.
Next, enter the six-figure verification code generated by the application in the popup.
Alternatively, you can manually enter the key to connect the application with the Cloudways account. Click the Verify button to complete the process.
Scan the QR code with the authenticator application to connect with the Cloudways account.
Next, enter the six-digit verification code generated by the application and click verify.

Alternatively, you can manually enter the key to connect the application with the Cloudways account.

Step #3 - Download Backup Codes (Optional):

There is always a chance that you could misplace the TFA-enabled device.
In such cases, Cloudways allows the option of backup codes for logging into your account. Although this step is optional, we strongly suggest you generate backup codes.
To generate your backup codes, go to the Account section and then the Security tab. Click the Generate Code link.

A screen will display twelve backup codes that you can copy download.
We suggest you keep the codes at a secure location. Each backup code can be used only once.

Login to your TFA activated Cloudways Account

Logging into your TFA-activated account is a two-step process. In the first step, you will see the regular login screen where you enter the registered email and password.

On the next screen, you will be asked to enter the one-time TFA code generated by the authenticator application.

If you don’t have the authenticator application or would like to use one of the Backup codes, click the “Try Another Method” button.

Important Notes

Both the primary account owner and team members can activate TFA for the account.
In addition to the authenticator application and backup, you can ask for the verification code to be sent to the registered phone number. This option is available only to the primary account holders.
You have an option to let the system remember your computer for 30 days.
If you need to deactivate TFA for your account, go to the security tab and click the Deactivate TFA.