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Enabling Magento 2 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with Google Authenticator

Security is a top priority for every e-commerce store. Since Magento 2.4, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) has been enabled by default to protect your admin accounts against unauthorized access. If you’re running an earlier version or need to re-enable it, this guide walks you through enabling the Magento 2 2FA module and setting it up with Google Authenticator.

What is Two-Factor Authentication in Magento?

Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to the Magento Admin login. Instead of only requiring a username and password, Magento also requests a one-time passcode (OTP) generated by an authenticator app like Google Authenticator. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, attackers cannot access your store without the second factor.

Step 1: Verify 2FA Module Availability

Magento 2 ships with the Magento_TwoFactorAuth module. First, check if the module exists in your installation:

bin/magento module:status Magento_TwoFactorAuth
  • If it’s listed as enabled, you’re ready to proceed.
  • If it’s disabled, enable it with:
bin/magento module:enable Magento_TwoFactorAuth 
bin/magento setup:upgrade

Step 2: Configure 2FA in Magento Admin

If you are doing a fresh Magento setup, then follow the steps below; otherwise, follow step 3.
  1. Log in to your Magento Admin panel.
  2. Navigate to Stores > Settings > Configuration.
  3. Under the Security section, select 2FA.
  4. From here, you can configure which authenticators to allow. For Google Authenticator:
    • Set Providers to Use → Google Authenticator.
    • Save the configuration.

Step 3: Configure 2FA for existing admin users

If you already have an admin account in your system, follow the steps below:
  1. Try to login to the admin panel. Once you enter your username & password, it might show you the screen below:

  2. This will send an email with the link to add the authenticator to the user's account.
  3. Click on the link in the email and then follow the next step.

Step 3: Setting Up Google Authenticator

Once 2FA is enabled, each admin user must configure their authenticator app.

  1. Install Google Authenticator on your mobile device (available on Android and iOS).
  2. Log in to Magento Admin with your username and password.
  3. Magento will prompt you to scan a QR code.
  4. Open Google Authenticator → tap + → choose Scan QR code.
  5. Scan the code displayed in Magento Admin.
  6. Enter the generated 6-digit OTP into Magento to complete setup.

From now on, every time you log in, Magento will ask for a fresh OTP from Google Authenticator.

Step 4: CLI Management (Optional)

If needed, you can manage 2FA providers via CLI. For example:

  • To disable all providers except Google Authenticator:
    bin/magento config:set twofactorauth/general/force_providers google
  • To reset 2FA configuration for a specific admin user (useful if they lose access to their device):
    bin/magento admin:user:twofactorauth:reset <username>

Best Practices

  • Ensure all admin users set up 2FA immediately after enabling it.
  • Keep backup codes or secondary authenticators configured in case your phone is lost.
  • Never share OTPs with anyone.
  • Regularly review which 2FA providers are enabled.

Conclusion

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication with Google Authenticator significantly strengthens the security of your Magento store’s Admin panel. It only takes a few minutes to set up, but it can protect your business from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

By default, Magento 2.4 requires 2FA, so consider this not just a best practice but a necessity in today’s e-commerce landscape.

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