This article describes how you can set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your mobile for the first time and what to do if you change your device.

If two-factor authentication is activated for an employee role, employees in this role need the authenticator app to log into Personio. The app generates a second key, which employees need to enter in addition to their password before they can access Personio. Learn more about how to enable 2-factor authentication.

Tip
We recommend using Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication, but you can use any other authenticator app.

Set up two-factor authentication for the first time

You need to follow these steps to successfully set up two-factor authentication:

1. Download the authenticator app of your choice to your mobile device.
2. Open the app.
3. Open a browser on another device, go to Personio at companyname.personio.com/login, and log in with your email address and password.
   
   

   

4. A barcode will then be generated. In the app, select Scan barcode and point your mobile device camera at the barcode on the computer screen.

5. A token will appear on the browser. Enter this token in the authenticator app.
   

This activates two-factor authentication on your device.

Switch mobile devices

If you switch mobile devices, follow the steps below:

1. Download the authenticator app onto the new device.
2. Contact an employee within your company who has administrator rights for your Personio account. They must then go to your profile, click on the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Manage account. 
3. The administrator can reset the authenticator there.
4. You can then log into Personio at domainname.personio.de/login as usual, using your email address and password.
5. A new barcode is generated after this initial login, which you have to scan with your mobile device.
6. Once this is done, the new device is activated and can be used immediately.