# Configure Two-Factor Authentication Using Email

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your account with a second verification step beyond your password. When you enable email-based 2FA, a one-time code is sent to your sign-in address and must be entered each time you log in.

:::note
Whatever you configure here applies to every Cloud Voice App client tied to your account, not just the desktop app.
:::

## Turn on email verification

1. In the Cloud Voice App desktop client, click your account in the top-right corner and open **Change Password & Security > Security Settings**.
2. Tick the **Two-Factor Authentication** checkbox.
3. When the **Password** window appears, type your account password and click **Confirm** to authorize the change.
4. Choose **Authenticated by Email** and finish the setup as described below.

   
   ![Cloud Voice, email 2FA setup with a Send button and a field for the verification code](/images/pbx/click-to-send-email-for-2fa.png)

   1. Click **Send**. A 6-digit code is emailed to the address you sign in with.

      :::note
      The code is only valid for 5 minutes after the email goes out. If it expires or does not arrive, click **Send** again for a fresh code, and check your spam or junk folder.
      :::
   2. Enter the code in the **Authentication Code** field.
   3. Click **Save**.

## What happens next

- An "Edited successfully." confirmation means 2FA is now active on your account.
- From now on, signing in to any Cloud Voice App client (web, desktop, or mobile) with your extension's email address and password will also prompt you for a verification code.

:::caution
If the email address on your extension is later changed, two-factor authentication is switched off automatically.
:::

## Locked out?

If you can no longer complete the second step, for example because you lost your device or stopped receiving the emailed code, ask your system administrator to disable two-factor authentication on your account. You can then sign in again with just your email address and password.