As ecommerce business continues to grow, the need for security in Shopify stores becomes top priority. With increased risk of unauthorized account access, phishing, and password-related attacks, it is essential to protect your data from cyber threats. For this you enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app to boost security. In this article, you will learn the practical steps to set up and use the Shopify Authenticator App to protect your data.
What Is Shopify Authenticator App?
The Shopify Authenticator App is a mobile application which increases the store login security by generating time-based one-time passwords for two-step authentication on Shopify accounts. When a user tries to log in the store, it is required to enter the code generated by the app in your mobile phone. This code refreshes every 30 seconds and is unique every time. Someone who gets the code only accesses your store, not the other with the same code, which keeps your account more secure.
There are several benefits of Shopify Authenticator App.
Enhance Account Security
Add one more step to login to your account to make sure that only the rightful account owner can log in. Even if your password is leaked, then still they cannot log in without the authenticator generated code.
Offline Access
The app does not require an internet connection to generate codes, which improves reliability even when your device is offline.
Free and Flexible
Authenticator apps are free to download and use for protecting your Shopify admin access.
Multi-Account Support
You can manage multiple accounts within the app, making it easier to handle different Shopify stores from the same app that require two-step authentication.
Best Authenticator Apps for Shopify?
Shopify has built-in security features, but using an authenticator app increases your account protection. Does Shopify have its own authenticator app? No, Shopify does not have its authenticator app. Instead, there are third-party authenticator apps available that integrate seamlessly with Shopify, each offering different features.
- Google Authenticator
- Duo Mobile
- Amazon AWS MFA
- Microsoft Authenticator
Install one of these apps on your mobile device and pair it with your Shopify account by scanning the QR code during the setup of two-factor authentication.
How to Activate Two Factor Authentication in Shopify?
Securing your online store with two-factor authentication in Shopify is more straightforward than you think. Follow the steps below to activate 2FA.
1. Log in to your Shopify store
Visit the Shopify official login page.
Enter your email address and password to access your admin dashboard.
2. Access Account Settings
In the top-right corner, click on your account avatar or name.
From the dropdown menu, select Manage account.
3. Turn on Two-step authentication
In the account settings panel, click on Security from the left-hand menu.
Find the section labeled two-step authentication, click on turn on two-step button. When prompted, re-enter your store password for verification.
4. Set up two-step authentication
Select Authentication App as authentication method.
Open installed Authenticator app on your mobile device.
Use your app to scan the QR code displayed on the Shopify setup page.
If you are unable to scan the code, choose the manual entry option and type in the secret key provided.
5. Verify Setup
After scanning, your app will generate a six-digit verification code.
Enter the code then click Turn on.
6. Backup Code
After verifying, Shopify will show recovery codes. Save them securely. You will need them if you lose access to your authentication app.
Now 2FA is enabled. Every time you log in, you will need your password and the verification code generated by the authenticator app.
How to Login by using Two-Step Authentication Method?
To log in to your Shopify account using the Two-Step Authentication, follow these steps:
Go to the Login Page: Open your web browser and go to Shopify official login page.
Enter Your Credentials: Input your email address and password linked to your Shopify account. Click the Login button.
Authenticate: After this Shopify will prompt you to enter a 6-digit verification code. Open your authenticator app on your mobile device.
Enter the Code: Locate the generated code for your Shopify account.
Type it into the Verification Code field on the Shopify login page.
Access Your Account: If the code is valid, you will be logged into your Shopify admin dashboard.
What are Alternative To Authentication Apps in Shopify?
Shopify supports other two-step-authentication methods which help in securing your account. These alternatives ensure that you can choose the method that best fits with your workflow and preferences, making it easier to keep your account secure without compromising on usability.
SMS: Receive a verification code via text message to your registered mobile number. Enter this code during login to complete the authentication process.
Shopify Mobile Prompts: This method sends a mobile prompt to the Shopify mobile app on your selected device, allowing you to confirm your login attempt by one-tap login confirmation.
Security Key: A physical device that connects to your computer or mobile device via USB, Bluetooth, NFC and server. This key must be connected to the device during the login process to verify your identity.
Built-in Authenticator: Use the built-in biometric or PIN authentication available on your device, such as Face ID, fingerprint to confirm login directly without using a separate app. But this method only works with one device. To log in using a different device, you need to add another authentication method.
