Adding an Account for 2FA Using an Authenticator App  

Secure your 1-grid account by completing your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) setup in minutes for your 1-grid Customer Zone using an Authenticator App to scan a QR code, with no technical knowledge required. 
 
This guide walks you through adding your account safely for 2FA using an Authenticator App like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Apple Authenticator (iOS Passwords) and Authy, and provides tips for avoiding common setup issues. 

What Is an Authenticator App? 

An authenticator app is a security tool installed on your phone that generates time-based, one-time verification codes. 

Instead of relying on SMS or email delivery, the app creates a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds, synced securely to your account. 

• No internet required 
• No messages to wait for 
• One of the safest 2FA methods available 

Why Using an Authenticator App Matters 

Adding an authenticator app to your primary device helps to get you securely logged into your 1-grid Customer Zone when completing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) as next-level security, and it: 

• Protects your account from unauthorised access 
• Prevents password-only breaches 
• Gives you control over your login security 
• Works offline, even without a signal 

Authenticator Apps Supported by 1-grid 

We officially support and recommend: 

• Google Authenticator 
• Microsoft Authenticator 
• Apple Authenticator (and via iOS Passwords) 
• Authy Authenticator 

Other TOTP-based apps (such as Duo) may also work, but the instructions below focus on the most widely used and supported options above. 

Before You Start (Critical Success Checklist) 

It is important to be ready with the following when wanting to set up an account, like your 1-grid account for 2FA during login into your 1-grid Customer Zone. 

Checklist:  

• Your phone’s Date & Time is set to Automatic 
• The camera is access-enabled on your phone 
• Your 1-grid Customer Zone is open on a desktop or browser 
• A few uninterrupted minutes to complete the setup 

This is important to help reduce setup issues, as well as to give you enough time to successfully retrieve a one-time code once you have successfully added your account to your Authenticator App, for completing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). 

Step-by-Step: Adding Your 1-grid Account with an Authenticator App 

IMPORTANT: When scanning a QR code, hold your phone up to your computer screen so your camera can clearly read the code. It will attempt to scan it within the 4 green corners of the box on your camera/app. 

Google Authenticator App 

How to Add Your 1-grid Account for 2FA 

1. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone. 
   • Use your registered email address and password. 
2. Click Get Started >>. 
3. A QR code and manual setup key will appear on your screen. 
   • A manual code is also displayed in case you need to manually enter this. 
4. Open Google Authenticator on your phone. 
5. Tap + → Scan a QR code. 
6. Point your phone camera at the QR code on your screen. 
   • It should automatically scan the code. 
7. Enter the generated 6-digit code to confirm. 

TIP: If scanning fails, choose Enter a setup key and manually enter the code shown. Manual entry prevents setup failure if camera permissions are blocked. 

For additional support with scanning a QR code using Google Authenticator, you can explore this short video. 

Microsoft Authenticator App 

How to Add Your 1-grid Account for 2FA

1.  Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone. 
   • Use your registered email address and password. 
2. Click Get Started >>. 
3. A QR code and manual code will appear on your screen. 
4. Open Microsoft Authenticator. 
5. Tap + → Personal account. 
6. Choose Scan a QR code. 
7. Scan the QR code displayed on your screen by pointing your phone camera at the screen. 
   • This should automatically scan the code. 
8. Enter the 6-digit code to complete setup. 

TIP: If prompted, allow camera permissions because without them, scanning won’t work. If scanning fails, enter the code provided manually. 

For additional support with scanning a QR code using Microsoft Authenticator, you can explore this short video. 

Apple Authenticator (via iOS Passwords) 

How to Add Your 1-grid Account for 2FA 

1. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone. 
   • Use your registered email address and password. 
2. Click Get Started >>. 
3. A QR code and manual setup key will appear on screen. 
4. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Passwords. 
5. Select the relevant account (or add a new one). 
6. Tap Set Up Verification Code → Scan QR Code. 
7. Scan the QR code using your phone camera and enter the 6-digit code shown to confirm. 

TIP: If scanning fails, choose Enter Setup Key instead and manually enter the code displayed. 

Using the Apple Authenticator App instead? 
To add your account via the Apple Authenticator app specifically and not through Passwords, you can check out their useful guide here. 

For additional support with scanning a QR code using Apple Passwords, you can explore this guide further. 

Authy Authenticator App 

How to Add Your 1-grid Account for 2FA 

1. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone. 
   • Use your registered email address and password. 
2. Click Get Started >>. 
3. A QR code and setup key for manual adding will appear. 
4. Open Authy. 
5. Tap + Add Account. 
6. Choose Scan QR Code. 
7. Scan the QR code on your screen using your phone’s camera. 
8. Enter the generated 6-digit code to verify and confirm. 

TIP: Ensure your phone time is set to Automatic to avoid invalid codes. 

For additional support with scanning a QR code using Authy, you can explore this short video.  

Accessing Your 1-grid Customer Zone on the Mobile for Your Authenticator App 

If you’re setting up or using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) entirely on your mobile phone, you’re not doing anything wrong, and you’re not alone. Some mobile devices and browsers make it difficult to switch smoothly between the Customer Zone login page and your Authenticator app, which can cause the page to refresh or restart the login process. 

To support you through this, 1-grid provides a secure, reliable alternative that works even when app switching isn’t supported. 

When This Applies

You may need this method if: 

• You’re unable to enter the 6-digit code in time before the page reloads 
• You’re logging into the 1-grid Customer Zone using a mobile browser 
• Your Authenticator app is on the same device 
• Switching between the browser and the Authenticator app causes the login page to refresh 

This is a known mobile behaviour on some devices and browsers, so it’s not an error with your account or setup. 

Setting Up 2FA on Mobile Using the Manual Key (No QR Scan Needed) 

If you’re enabling 2FA on mobile for the first time, you may notice that scanning a QR code isn’t possible when everything is on the same screen. In this case, the manual setup key is the safest and most effective option. 

How the Manual Key Setup Works 

1. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone using your mobile browser 
2. Start the 2FA setup process 
3. When the QR code appears, select “Can’t scan?” or “Enter key manually” 
4. Copy the setup key shown on the screen, or write it down to manually enter it 
5. Open your preferred Authenticator app 
6. Add a new account and choose Enter a setup key 
7. Paste the key, name the account (e.g. 1-grid Customer Zone), and save 
8. Enter the generated 6-digit code back in the Customer Zone to complete setup 

TIP: This works well when you have no camera access, and it means no app switching and no risk of the page refreshing during setup. 

IMPORTANT: When app switching isn’t possible when you’re accessing your Customer Zone from the same device you are using for your Authenticator App, the “Login using Backup Code” option is the recommended method as it is the most stable and secure way to complete your login. 

How to Log in Using a Backup Code (Mobile-Friendly) 

Steps

1. Open your mobile browser and go to the 1-grid Customer Zone login page 
2. Enter your email address and password as normal 
3. When prompted for your 2FA code, select “Login using Backup Code” 
4. Enter one of the backup codes that were generated when you enabled 2FA 
5. You’ll be logged in successfully without needing to switch apps 

IMPORTANT: Backup codes are single-use, secure, and designed specifically for situations like this. 

Common Setup Issues and Quick Fixes

Here are some quick fixes, but you can explore our full troubleshooting guide for more.  

“Invalid Code” or “Authentication Failed” 

What’s happening: Your phone’s time is slightly out of sync, or the code expired before it was entered successfully. 

Quick Fix: Set your phone’s date and time to Automatic, then enter a fresh code from the app.  
 
IMPORTANT: Remember, a code refreshes every 30 seconds, so it is important to be ready to enter the code.

Can’t Generate a Valid 2FA Code 

What’s happening: The account link was interrupted or not fully completed. 

Quick Fix: Restart the setup and complete it in one session without refreshing the page.  
 
IMPORTANT: Remember, you can contact our Support Team if you need help with resetting your 2FA, especially if you need to do a reinstall of the app (as below).

Changed Phones or Reinstalled the App 

What’s happening: Authenticator apps don’t always restore accounts automatically. 

Quick Fix: Use saved backup codes, or contact Support to securely reset 2FA and re-link your new device. 

Stuck During Setup or Login

What’s happening: The QR code expired, or the setup page refreshed. 

Quick Fix: Restart the login process and scan a new QR code. 
 
IMPORTANT: If you get stuck, you can contact our Support Team for assistance with a 2FA reset if this is needed. 

No Longer Receiving Codes or Prompts

What’s happening: Battery optimisation, blocked notifications, or VPN interference. 

Quick Fix: Allow background activity, enable notifications, and temporarily disable any VPN. 
 
TIP: Try connecting to a standard home network or your mobile data. 

Our Scope of Support 

If you’re stuck and need any additional guidance or support, here’s an outline of what we can do and what is not within our Scope of Support. 

Included Support 

What We Can Help With

• Secure 2FA resets 
• Basic guidance for re-adding authenticator apps 
• Verifying setup issues 
• Guiding you through recovery steps 

We’ll guide you through the next steps securely and as smoothly as possible. 

Outside Our Scope 

What We’re Unable to Assist With

• Security protection bypassing such as the codes during authentication checks 

FAQs   

Q. Can I use my mobile to set up 2FA if I don’t have access to a computer?

Yes, you can absolutely set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) entirely from your mobile device without using a computer. Modern authenticator apps and services allow for full, secure 2FA activation directly on smartphones by using the “Manual Key” method because you are unable to scan a QR code on the device you’re using. 

Remember, if you are accessing your Customer Zone via your mobile browser on your authenticator device after you have set up 2FA, you may need to use the “Login with Backup Code” option.  

Q. Do authenticator apps need internet access?

No, they work offline once they are set up.

Q. Why do codes change every 30 seconds?

This prevents reuse and keeps your account secure.

Q. Can I use more than one authenticator app?

Only one app can be actively linked at a time.

Q. What if I lose my phone?

Contact Support for a secure identity check and 2FA reset.

Additional Resources 

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Why It Matters
Troubleshooting Authentication App Issues
Retrieve a Lost 1-grid Customer Zone Password
Passwords at 1-grid 

Need Additional Support? 

We’re Here to Help: 

Adding your 1-grid Account to an Authenticator App to complete Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) doesn’t have to feel technical with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Check out our Scope of Support, and then contact our Support Team for further clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!