If you are enrolled in a program that includes Xero then you will need to set up Multi-factor authentication as part of the security requirements set by Xero. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Xero account and is available for mobile devices and Windows computers.
Multi-factor Authentication combines:
- something you know (your user name and password)
- with something you have (an authentication app on your smartphone or tablet).
This second layer of security is designed to prevent anyone other than you from accessing your Xero account, even if they know your password.
How Multi-factor Authentication works:
To use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Xero, you will need:
- Your own Xero user account and login credentials. (You can’t enable MFA for an organisation or practice.)
- An authenticator app installed on a smartphone, device or computer
- An internet connection.
- Access to your Xero organisation with a web browser.
- A backup email address, which is different to the one you use to log in to Xero. This is your backup method which you use if you don’t have access to your authenticator app. You can choose security questions and answers instead of a backup email address.
Setting up Multi-factor Authentication
To set up multi-factor authentication, follow these instructions in Xero Central. Here you will find instructions for setting up MFA during login, instructions for setting up MFA once logged in, and instructions for setting up MFA without a smartphone or tablet.
There is also further guidance provided by Xero HERE
For most users, it is a simple process with your smartphone. Xero recommends Xero Verify as it is faster for Xero access. Google Authenticator is also effective, however.
Below you will find a short video from Xero that provides further insight into multi-factor authentication: