How to configure email OTP as a 2FA backup method

2FA backup methods are a great way to ensure you can still log in to WordPress should your primary authentication method become temporarily unavailable. If you lose your phone, get a new one, or even forget to charge it, by using a secondary backup method you can ensure you’re still able to log in without hassle.

WP 2FA offers two different 2FA backup methods: backup codes and email OTP. Your WordPress administrator can choose which ones to make available. In this guide, we will be covering the procedure for configuring email OTP as a 2FA backup method. Refer to this guide to learn how to configure backup codes.

Note: Backup codes are available in the free version, while email OTP as a backup method is available in WP 2FA Premium.

Configuring email OTP during the setup wizard

If your administrator has made email OTP available as a 2FA backup method, you can easily set it up during the 2FA configuration process. 

Once you have completed the configuration of the primary 2FA method, the wizard will ask you to configure the secondary backup method. Select Receive code over email and then click Continue.

Once done, you will be asked to confirm your email address. By default, this is the email address that is associated with your WordPress account. Make sure you have access to the email, then click on Save backup email.

The process is now complete.

Configuring the backup 2FA method at any time

If you did not configure backup email during the initial 2FA configuration, you can do so at any time through the Two-factor authentication settings section on your WordPress Profile page.

To get started, navigate to your WordPress profile page, scroll down to the Two-factor authentication settings section, and click on the Configure backup email button.

Once clicked, you will be asked to confirm the email address that you want to use. Once you’re happy with your selection, click on the Save backup email button, and you’re good to go.