> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ples.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to use 2FA backup codes

> Save the 10 authenticator backup codes Ples shows when you enable TOTP. View or regenerate them from 2FA settings.

When you enable **Authenticator App** 2FA, Ples gives you **10 backup codes**. Each code is 8 characters. Store them somewhere you can reach if you lose the phone.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/ples/fv9e3631thkaIOyB/images/2fa.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=fv9e3631thkaIOyB&q=85&s=916a8d1502864a1771d64cfa8995bb77" alt="Ples 2FA settings with backup codes to save, print, or regenerate" width="3024" height="1756" data-path="images/2fa.png" />
</Frame>

## Save them when you turn 2FA on

<Steps>
  <Step title="Finish the authenticator wizard">
    After the TOTP code verifies, open **View Backup Codes** (or the list shown in the wizard).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy or print the codes">
    Keep them offline. Treat them like passwords.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Email OTP 2FA does not use this backup-code list. Codes are for the authenticator method.

## View or regenerate later

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open 2FA settings">
    Go to [app.ples.com/settings/authentication/2fa](https://app.ples.com/settings/authentication/2fa) while you are still signed in.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Backup Codes">
    View the current set, print them, or **regenerate**. Regenerating invalidates every old code.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## If you cannot sign in

Complete `/2fa-challenge` with a 6-digit authenticator or email code as usual. If you lost the authenticator **and** you cannot use email OTP, [contact support](https://ples.com/contact) from an address that proves you own the account.

<Warning>
  Regenerating backup codes while you are signed in is the right move after a lost notebook. Do not regenerate if you have not stored the new set.
</Warning>

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Two-factor authentication" icon="shield" href="/article/two-factor-authentication">
    Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app or email OTP.
  </Card>

  <Card title="How to sign in" icon="log-in" href="/article/sign-in">
    Sign in with your email and password. Complete 2FA if you turned it on.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sessions" icon="monitor" href="/article/sessions">
    See devices signed in to your account and terminate a session.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email is not arriving" icon="mail-warning" href="/article/email-not-arriving">
    Find mail from [info@e.ples.com](mailto:info@e.ples.com) and check spam for confirmation, OTP, and alerts.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>