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How to setup multi-factor authentication

How to protect your Awaken account with a passkey, hardware key, authenticator app, or SMS codes.

Written by Andrew Duca

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a second check after your usual sign-in. Even if someone gets access to your email or sign-in method, they can’t get into your Awaken account without that second check.


Which MFA method should I choose?

Awaken offers two types of MFA. You can use one type at a time.

Method

Type

How it works

Good to know

Passkey

Key based

Your phone, computer, or password manager confirms it’s you with a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN.

Quick to use. You can register more than one.

Hardware key

Key based

A physical security key (like a YubiKey) that you plug in by USB or tap by NFC.

Strong protection. Keep a backup key in a safe place.

Authenticator app (TOTP)

Code based

An app such as Google Authenticator or 1Password shows a new six-digit code every 30 seconds.

Works without cell service.

SMS code

Code based

Awaken texts a code to your phone.

Needs mobile service to receive codes.

Not sure? A passkey is usually the easiest and safest. Key-based methods also protect you best against phishing, because they only work on the real Awaken site.


How do I turn on MFA?

  1. Go to Settings → Security.

  2. Find MFA authentication and select Set up MFA.

  3. Choose a method and follow the steps below.

Awaken may ask you to sign in again first. Use a sign-in method that’s already linked to your account.

Passkey

  1. Select Passkey under Key based.

  2. In the browser prompt, choose where to save the passkey (for example, this device or your password manager).

  3. Confirm with your fingerprint, face scan, PIN, or other unlock method.

  4. Wait for Awaken to confirm the passkey was added.

You won’t be asked for an email address. The passkey is linked to the account you’re already signed in to.

Hardware key

  1. Select Hardware key under Key based.

  2. Plug in your key by USB, or hold it to your device if it supports NFC.

  3. Touch the key or enter its PIN if your browser asks.

  4. Wait for Awaken to confirm the key was added.

Authenticator app

  1. Select TOTP code under Code based. Sign in again if asked.

  2. Open your authenticator app and add a new account.

  3. Scan the QR code shown in Awaken. Can’t scan it? Select Copy setup key and paste that key into the app instead.

  4. Enter the six-digit code from the app.

  5. Select Verify and enable if setup doesn’t finish on its own.

Keep the QR code and setup key private. Anyone with them can generate codes for your account.

SMS code

  1. Select SMS code under Code based. Sign in again if asked.

  2. Enter the phone number where you want to receive codes.

  3. Complete the security check if one appears, then select Send Code.

  4. Enter the code from the text message and select Verify Code.

How do I know it worked? Your MFA status in Settings → Security changes to On.


What happens when I sign in?

Sign in the way you normally do. Awaken then asks for your MFA check:

  • Passkey or hardware key: Select Continue and follow the browser prompt. Any key or passkey registered to your account will work.

  • Authenticator app: Enter the current code from the app.

  • SMS: Select Send Code, then enter the code from your phone and select Verify Code.

Once the check succeeds, you’re in.


Should I add a backup key?

Yes, if you use passkeys or hardware keys. A backup means you won’t get locked out if you lose or replace a device.

  1. Go to Settings → Security.

  2. Select Add another key.

  3. Choose Passkey or Hardware key and complete setup.

Always add a new key before you remove your only working key.


How do I change, switch, or turn off MFA?

Go to Settings → Security. Awaken may ask you to sign in again or verify your current key before making a change.

I want to…

What to do

Remove one passkey or hardware key

Select the trash icon next to that key.

Turn off my authenticator app or SMS

Select Disable next to the active method.

Switch from codes to a key

Disable your code method, then select Set up MFA and add a passkey or hardware key.

Switch from keys to codes

Remove all your keys, then select Set up MFA and choose a code method.

Switch between authenticator app and SMS

Disable the current method, then set up the other one.

Removing your last key, or disabling your only code method, turns MFA off. Set up a new method to turn it back on. Removing a hardware key from Awaken only removes it from your Awaken account. It doesn’t reset the key’s PIN or affect other websites you use it with.


Why is an MFA option greyed out?

You can only use one type of MFA at a time: keys or codes. For example, you can’t add a passkey or hardware key while an authenticator app or SMS is turned on.

When an option is greyed out, the message below it tells you what to change first. Usually you’ll need to disable your current code method or remove your keys.


I lost my phone or security key. What now?

If you have another registered key or passkey: Use it to sign in, then remove the lost one from Settings → Security

.

If you can’t use any of your methods: Contact Awaken support from the email address on your account. We’ll ask you to verify that you own the account.

A support reset removes all MFA methods from your account. Once you’re back in, set up MFA again.


Troubleshooting Tips

My key or passkey request timed out or was cancelled

Choose the method again and finish the browser prompt. If you’re using a hardware key, have it plugged in or ready to tap before you start.

It says my key is already added

That key is already registered. Just use it to sign in, or register a different key.

My authenticator code isn’t accepted

Make sure you’re entering the current code, not one that just expired. Then check that your phone’s date and time are set to update automatically. Codes depend on the clock being correct.

I didn’t get an SMS code

Double-check your phone number and that you have mobile service. Select Resend code when it becomes available.

Staying safe

  • Only enter Awaken verification codes on the Awaken site or app.

  • Never share your codes, QR code, or setup key. Awaken support will never ask for them.

  • Keep a backup method so you’re never locked out.

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