Guide: Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Devon Lohrasbe
Devon Lohrasbe
  • Updated

Why does 2FA matter?

2FA is like adding a double lock to your data's front door, requiring an extra login credential to gain access. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, ensuring that only you have the key to your payroll information.

In December 2023, we rolled out mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) for all our users. This added layer of security is crucial in safeguarding your payroll data against unauthorized access.

While we do plan to implement an authenticator app into Wagepoint, please note that currently you must have SMS enabled on your phone to set up 2FA.

Plan ahead to ensure payroll access while you are out of office or overseas

IMPORTANT! If you are unable to access SMS for your 2FA code, you will not be able to sign into your account and run payroll. If you will be overseas or otherwise unable to receive the 2FA code to your phone, you must plan for how you will continue to run your payroll.

How can I prepare for a smooth payroll while I’m overseas or out of office?

If you are planning to be overseas or out of office, set yourself up for a smooth payroll with one or more of these strategies:

  • Set up 2FA using an authenticator app that you can access when you are out of the office
  • Run the payrolls before you leave
  • Put your pay group on Auto-run (if the pay group is eligible)
  • Add a payroll administrator who can edit or run the payroll on your behalf

We strongly recommend that even if you run the payrolls before you leave or utilize auto-run, you still add another payroll administrator to your account. This will ensure that you can make any unanticipated changes to your payroll. 

I can’t access 2FA to sign into my Wagepoint account because I’m overseas. What can I do?

  • Try turning on roaming services to see if you can receive your 2FA code. Depending on the country you are in, your service provider, and local regulations, you may be able to receive the 2FA code.
  • You may be able to use a third-party SMS text service provider to receive the 2FA code. Note that there is often a cost associated with these services and that these providers are also subject to local regulations.

 


 

Set up or change two-factor authentication (2FA)

When signing into the application for your second time, you will be prompted to set up two-factor authentication. This process is mandatory and you will not be able to sign into your account until you set up 2FA.

There are two ways you might set up or update two-factor authentication (2FA):

  • First-time setup: After logging in for the second time, you’ll be prompted to set up 2FA.

  • Change your 2FA method later: Go to Preferences → Password & security → Two-factor authentication, then select Update method.

Once you reach the method selection screen, the setup steps are the same.

 

Before you start: Choose how you want to receive verification codes

Choose whether you'll set up 2FA using an Authenticator app (recommended) or text message (SMS), then follow the instructions below.

We highly recommend using an authenticator app because:

  • There are no SMS fees

  • You can use it on a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop

  • It works reliably when you’re overseas or out of the office

We support Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy.

 

Option 1 (Recommended): Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) using an Authenticator app 

1. Under How would you like to receive the verification code?, select Authenticator app.

Select Authenticator app…
Select Authenticator app…

 

2. Next, download the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone. We support Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy. Get more help with Google Authenticator here.

  •  
    • From your iPhone, open the App Store.
    • Search for the Google Authenticator app and install.
  •  
    • From your Android, open the Google Play Store.
    • Search for the Google Authenticator app and install.

3. In the Authenticator app, scan the barcode from within Wagepoint. You may need to tap the + button to add Wagepoint to your authenticator app.

Click on Back to login…

4. Once Wagepoint has been added to your authenticator app, enter the 6-digit verification code and click Verify code.

Click on Verify code

5. Copy, Download, or Print your single use recovery keys, check the box next to I've saved these keys, then click Got it.

  • Several recovery keys will be generated that are specific to your account. Each key is single use.
  • These keys will allow you to access your account in the event that your two-step authentication method fails.
  • You can copy, download, or print your recovery keys. 
Check I've saved these codes.

 

Option 2: Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) using text message (SMS)

 

1. Under How would you like to receive the verification code?, select Text message (SMS).

Select Text message (SMS) - Canada and US only

2. Under Phone number, enter the phone number you would like associated with your Wagepoint account. This phone number must be able to receive SMS messages.

3. Click Send Code.

Type "+1 2508967627"
 

4. We will send a 6-digit security code to the phone number you entered. Check your phone for an SMS message from Wagepoint and enter the 6-digit security code.

  • The security code is valid for 10 minutes. Click Resend code to send a new code if needed.
  • If you would like 2FA to remember this device for 30 days, select the checkbox next to Remember this device for 30 days. For increased security, leave this box unchecked and use 2FA with every sign in.
Click on Verify code
 
5. Click Verify code. If successful, you will be logged into your Wagepoint account.
 
 

 

Log in using two-factor authentication (2FA)

1. Go to payroll.wagepoint.com. Under Email address, enter the email address you used to sign up for Wagepoint, then click Next.

    Paste "dlohrasbe+cupcakecorner@wagepoint.com " into input Paste "dlohrasbe+cupcakecorner@wagepoint.com " into input 

2. Under Password, enter your password then click Log in.

   Type password Click on Log In

3. Enter your 6-digit verification code. 

  • If you have set up 2FA using SMS or text message, the code will be sent to your phone number via text message. 
  • If you have set up Authenticator app, you will enter a code generated in your app.

4. Click Verify to confirm the security code and sign into your account. 

  • If you would like 2FA to remember this device for 30 days, select the checkbox next to Remember this device for 30 days. For increased security, leave this box unchecked and use 2FA with every sign in.

 


 

Change two-factor authentication method

1. Log into your Wagepoint account.

2. Click on the drop-down arrow next to your name and select Password & security.

Click on Password & security

4. Under Two-factor authentication (2FA), click Update method.

Click on Update method

6. Enter your password to verify your identity, then click Continue.

Type password

7. Under How would you like to receive the verification code?, select your preferred method for 2FA.

8. Once you select your new method, complete setup by following the instructions here:

  • Set up 2FA with an authenticator app

  • Set up 2FA with SMS

 


FAQs/Troubleshooting: 2FA

 

  • To update your phone number,
    1. In the top navigation bar, click on the drop-down arrow next to your name and select Password & security.
    2. Under Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), click Update phone number. reset your 2FA and select the text message (SMS) option. You will be prompted to enter your phone number and set up 2FA again.
    Click on Update phone number
    3. Enter your password, and click Continue.
    4. Enter the updated phone number, then click Send Code.
    5. Enter the code you receive at the updated phone number, and click Verify Code.
  • Sometimes, this can happen due to differences in the time and date settings between devices. Make sure that the time and date settings on all involved devices are aligned.
  • Try entering the code again. If the problem persists, then click Resend code to send a new code.
  • We recommend using an Authenticator for 2FA. Authenticator apps can be accessed via mobile devices, desktops, or via web browser extensions. If the employee is unable to access the Employee Portal because they don't have any device that can receive 2FA, the employer must provide them a copy of their pay stub.
  • At this time, the two available 2FA methods are text message (SMS) and Authenticator apps. We do not support 2FA via email.
  • Text message (SMS) 2FA is only available for Canadian and American numbers who are receiving messages in Canada and the US. If your phone number is registered in Canada or the US, but you are in another country, you may not receive messages for 2FA due to local rules and regulations.

 

Was this article helpful?

0 out of 0 found this helpful

Have more questions? Submit a request