Secure with Two-Factor Authentication

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) or two-step verification is a security process that requires two different forms of identification in order to access an online account. 

To use 2FA with your RescueTime account, you'll need these two forms of identification:

1. email address and password
2. authentication app or iOS or MacOS device

RescueTime highly recommends you use two-factor authentication to secure and protect your data from unauthorized access and use. 

How to set up Two-Factor Authentication

1. Install an authentication app. This article lists several options. 

An authentication app uses a Time-based One Time Password (TOTP) to generate short term authentication codes. You'll add this code during 2FA setup and every time you sign into www.rescuetime.com. 

If you use the Google Authenticator app, here are instructions for Android and iOS.

[If you have a MacOS or iOS device, you can skip this step as these devices have a built-in two factor authentication feature in Settings > Password. More on this in a bit.]

2. Enable 2FA from your Settings > Account page. At the bottom of your account page, turn on Enable two-factor authentication by toggling it to the right. 

3. The two-factor authentication setup modal will then open. You'll be given three options to enable 2FA.

4. Once your 2FA is complete, you should see this confirmation banner at the top of your account page.

At the bottom of the page you should see the green toggle on. 

5. Log out of your RescueTime account and log back in. After signing in with your email address and password, you should see this screen asking for your authentication code (or verification code). Enter the code either from your authentication app or from your iOS or Mac device. 

Options for Two-Factor Authentication

You have three options to choose from for 2FA.

Option One 

Using your authentication app from your mobile device, scan in the QR code. This is the simplest option. 

1. Once the QR code is scanned, you should see an authentication code for RescueTime
2. Add this code to the bottom of the 2FA setup modal in your account page, and hit the Verify button

For iOS Devices

If you are using an iOS device, then you can open your camera and scan the QR Code. 

1. You'll see this pop up at the top of your iOS screen. Click on it and you'll be taken to Settings > Passwords.

2. Enter your passcode (if applicable)

3. You should see the Passwords screen on your iOS device. Here you'll see a list of autofill passwords. They are log-in credentials that you chose to save. Click on rescuetime.com.

If RescueTime is not on the list, then hit Cancel and click the + button at the top right corner of the screen to add in your RescueTime log-in credentials.

4. Then click Set Up Verification Code

5. A Set Up Verification Code screen will open giving you two options:

• Enter Setup Key -> enter in your shared secret code from your 2FA setup modal on your account page or 
• Scan QR Code -> scan the QR Code from your 2FA setup modal on your account page

6. You'll be provided with the Verification Code on your iOS device. Enter in the Verification Code at the bottom of the 2FA setup modal in your account settings page and hit Verify

Option Two

The  Initialize Auth link is available for devices with an authenticator app, or MacOS or iOS devices.

For Devices with an Authenticator App

1. Click on the  Initialize Auth link provided on the 2FA setup modal on your account page
2. Your authentication app should open adding RescueTime to your list accounts
3. Click on RescueTime to add your code to the bottom of the 2FA setup modal in your account page and hit the Verify button

For Mac Devices

1. Click on the Initialize Auth link provided on the 2FA setup modal on your account page

2. You'll be prompted to Open System Preferences

3. Enter your Mac password (if applicable)

4. You'll be taken to the Passwords window. You'll see a list of autofill passwords. They are log-in credentials that you chose to save. You'll see  Choose an account to add a verification code to: (click on rescuetime.com) then click the Add Verification Code button.

a. If you don't have your RescueTime account saved here, then click the  + button and add in your RescueTime sign-in information.

5. You should see the  Verification Code in the Passwords window

6.  Add this code to the bottom of the 2FA setup modal in your account page and hit the Verify button

For iOS devices

1. Click on the  Initialize Auth link provided in the 2FA setup modal in your account page
2. Follow steps 2 to 6 for iOS Devices

Option Three

Using your authentication app, add your Shared Secret code. 

1. You may be asked the following. Here is an example of what to fill in. 

• Account name: RescueTime
• Your key: Shared Secret 
• Type of key: Time based

  2. You should see an authentication code for RescueTime, add this code to the bottom of the 2FA setup modal in your account page and hit Verify.

Using a Mac to Set Up 2FA with your Shared Secret Code

As an alternative, you can also add your Shared Secret Code to your Mac by going to System Preferences > Passwords > choose rescuetime.com > click the Edit button > click Enter Setup Key and add the Shared Secret code from the 2FA setup modal in your account page > click OK > click Save > you should see a Verification Code, enter it at the bottom of the 2FA setup modal and hit Verify.

How to Troubleshoot Two-Factor Authentication

If you want to reset your 2FA, then you can do the following. The order is important or else you could find yourself locked out of your account without an authentication code to enter.

1. Disable Enable two-factor authentication in your account page

2. Delete RescueTime from your authentication app or

On the Mac, remove your RescueTime authentication by going to System Preferences > Passwords > Enter your Mac password (if applicable) > Choose rescuetime.com from your password list > Click the Edit button > Click Delete Verification Code 

On the iOS, remove your RescueTime authentication by going to Settings > Passwords > Enter your iOS passcode (if applicable) > Choose rescuetime.com from your password list > Click Edit > delete the Verification Code by clicking on it, which will bring up the Delete button > a screen will open asking you to confirm, click on Delete Verification Code

3. Repeat steps 2 to 5 above.

Please note: If the 2FA setup modal does not open after you turn off/turn on Enable two-factor authentication in the account page, you may need to refresh your web browser to bring up the 2FA setup modal again.