If you use Slack to connect and collaborate with colleagues while you work from home or the office, you can add an extra layer of security to your account by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for your account.
In the event that your password is compromised, no one will be able to access your account because they will not have the second form of authentication (your phone).
Slack supports two methods to configure two-factor authentication, including using an authentication app or SMS text message. However, using the authentication app is the easiest and recommended method.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to enable two-factor authentication on your Slack account.
How to set up two-factor authentication on Slack
To secure your Slack account with two-factor authentication (2FA), use these steps:
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Sign in with your credentials.
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Under the “Two-Factor Authentication” section, click the Expand button.
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Click the Set Up Two-Factor Authentication button.
Slack set up two-factor authentication option -
Type your current password.
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Click the Confirm Password button.
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Click the Use an app option to receive codes from an authentication app on your phone.
Slack app authentication option Quick tip: You can use apps like the Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Alternatively, you can also select the “SMS Text Message” option to receive a text message to your mobile device to complete the sign in process. -
Open authenticator app on your phone.
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Tap the Add account (+) button in the top-right of the app. (If you’re using the Microsoft Authentication, you need to click the three-dotted menu button, tap the “+” button, and select the Other account option.)
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Scan the barcode image on Slack page, using your phone’s camera.
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Confirm the code that appears on your phone in the Slack page.
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Click the Verify Code and Activate button.
Slack 2FA code verification -
(Optional) Confirm your phone number as a backup form of authentication.
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Click the Add number button or the Skip button.
Add phone number backup option for authentication -
Click the Print button.
Save 2FA codes for Slack -
Under the “Printer” section, select the Save as PDF option.
Microsoft Edge print to PDF option -
Click the Save button.
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Save the files on a secure location as you’ll need these codes if you lose access to your authenticator device.
Once you complete the steps, Slack will be configured with two-factor authentication. When you need to sign in again to Slack, open the authenticator app on your phone, and provide the code generated along with your password to access your account.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].