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Sign in and set up two-factor authentication

Updated

Add a second step to signing in with the free Google Authenticator app, save your recovery codes, and you're set. It takes about two minutes, once.

Must know
  • Use Google Authenticator if you can. It's free, takes the fewest steps and works even when you're offline. Email passcodes work too.
  • Save your recovery codes. At the end of setup you get 8 one-time recovery codes. They're shown only once, and they're how you get back in if you lose your phone.
  • This only affects the knowledge base. Your knowledge base account is separate from your Uplifter login, so signing in to Uplifter Cycling, Uplifter Snow or any other Uplifter site doesn't change.
  • Reading guides and sending a request need no account. Sign in to track your requests, follow pages and comment.

The Uplifter knowledge base uses two-factor authentication (2FA) to keep your account and your support requests private. After your password, you enter a 6-digit passcode that only you can get. The first time you sign in, you're walked through setting it up. This guide is for everyone with a knowledge base account: members, parents, club and association administrators, and the Uplifter team.

Why sign in?

  • Your Requests page — every request you send while signed in is listed with each reply and status change, so you never have to search your inbox. See Submit a request and track its progress.
  • Updates you choose — follow a section to get an email when a new guide is published, or an article to hear about new comments.
  • A voice — comment on guides that are open for comments, and have your Was this article helpful? vote count.

Set up with Google Authenticator (recommended)

Have your phone and computer side by side. Use the phone app; desktop authenticator apps aren't supported.

  1. Install the app

    On your phone, search for Google Authenticator in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and install it. It's free. Microsoft Authenticator, Authy and similar apps work the same way.

  2. Sign in to the knowledge base

    On your computer, select Sign in at the top right of any page and enter your email and password.

  3. Choose the app

    On Set up two-factor authentication (2FA), select Authenticator app and select Next. Select Next again to confirm the app is installed.

  4. Scan the QR code

    In Google Authenticator, tap +, then Scan a QR code, and point your phone at the QR code on your computer screen. Camera won't scan? Tap Enter a setup key instead and type the key shown with the QR code.

  5. Enter the code

    The app adds an entry for your knowledge base account and shows a 6-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds. Type the current code on your computer and select Save. If the code changes while you type, enter the new one.

  6. Save your recovery codes

    Select Copy recovery codes, paste them somewhere safe (see below), then select Done.

Tip: sign in to Google Authenticator with your Google account when the app offers it. Your codes are then backed up and come with you to a new phone.

Set up with email instead

Choose email if you can't install an app on your phone.

  1. Choose email

    Sign in, select Email on the setup screen, and select Next.

  2. Send a passcode

    Enter the email address where you want your passcodes sent and select Send passcode. It can be different from the address you sign in with, so pick an inbox you check often.

  3. Enter it within 60 seconds

    Enter the code from the email and select Next. If it expires, send a new one. Not in your inbox after a minute? Check your spam or junk folder.

  4. Save your recovery codes

    Select Copy recovery codes, save them (see below), then select Done.

Keep your recovery codes safe

Recovery codes are your spare keys. Each one gets you in once if you lose your phone, change your email or can't get a passcode. Paste them somewhere you can reach without this account:

  • A password manager (best), such as the one built into your browser or phone.
  • A file on your computer, for example Uplifter knowledge base recovery codes.txt, saved where you'll find it later.
  • A printed copy kept somewhere safe.

Don't keep them only in the email inbox that receives your passcodes. If you lose access to that inbox, you lose both.

Signing in from now on

Select Sign in and enter your email and password. On the Two-factor authentication screen, enter the current code from Google Authenticator or your email. No phone with you? Enter one of your recovery codes in the same Passcode box, then cross it off your list: each code works only once.

Locked out or changing phones?

  • New phone — if you backed up Google Authenticator to your Google account, sign in to the app on the new phone and your codes return. If not, sign in with a recovery code, then submit a request and we'll reset your 2FA so you can scan a new QR code.
  • No codes left — submit a request without signing in. Use the email on your account and tell us you're locked out of two-factor authentication. We'll reset it so you can set it up again, with a fresh set of recovery codes.
  • Switching between email and the app — submit a request and we'll reset your 2FA so you can choose again.

Related: Submit a request and track its progress · Find your way around the knowledge base