Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) from your Avid profile so every login needs your password plus a one-time code from an authenticator app. This takes a few minutes and protects your account if your password is ever compromised.
Use this article when
- You need to enable 2FA on your Avid login for the first time.
- Your organization now requires 2FA for all Avid accounts.
- You need to save recovery codes after enabling 2FA.
Applies to and prerequisites
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Any user with an Avid login. |
| Where | Settings > Profile (your user profile). |
| What you need | An authenticator app that can scan a QR code (for example, 1Password, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy). |
| Time | About 5 minutes |
Before you start: Install or open your authenticator app on the device you will use for Avid logins. Have that device nearby when you scan the QR code.
Steps
-
Sign in to Avid, then open Settings and select the Profile tab.
You see your user profile details.
-
Click the pencil icon in your profile section to edit your profile.
You see editable profile fields, including the two-factor authentication setting.
-
Toggle on Two-factor authentication enabled.
The toggle shows as on.
-
Click Save.
Avid shows a QR code for your authenticator app.
-
Open your authenticator app and scan the QR code. Save the entry under your Avid login.
Your authenticator app shows a new Avid entry with a rotating one-time code.
-
Enter the code from your authenticator app if prompted, then click Confirm.
Avid confirms that 2FA is set up.
-
Download your Two-Factor Recovery codes and store them somewhere safe (for example, your password manager).
You have a backup way to sign in if you lose access to your authenticator app.
What you will see
After setup, future Avid logins ask for your password and a one-time code from your authenticator app. Your profile shows two-factor authentication as enabled.
Common questions
I do not have an authenticator app
Install one before you continue. Common options include 1Password, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy. If your organization provides a password manager, use that first.
I do not have an Avid login saved in my authenticator
Create one when you scan the QR code in Step 5. Save it with a clear name such as Avid or Avid - your email so you can find it at login.
I use someone else's Avid login
Stop and request your own Avid account. Shared logins block secure 2FA and make it hard to tell who made changes. Ask your Avid admin to invite you as a separate user.
This feels like extra work
2FA adds one short step at login and greatly reduces account takeover risk. If your organization requires it, you need to complete setup to keep using Avid.
If something goes wrong
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You cannot scan the QR code | Camera permission is blocked, or the QR code expired after you left the page | Allow camera access for your authenticator app. Return to Settings > Profile, toggle 2FA again if needed, then rescan. |
| The confirmation code is rejected | You entered an expired code, or the device clock is incorrect | Wait for the next code in your authenticator app and try again. Confirm your device date and time are set automatically. |
| You cannot sign in after enabling 2FA | You lost access to the authenticator app | Use a saved recovery code. If you do not have recovery codes, contact LockStep Support. |
Treat recovery codes like passwords. Store them offline or in a password manager. Anyone with a recovery code can sign in as you. Do not share them in Slack, email, or screenshots.
For agency partners and Avid team members
If your organization standardizes on 1Password, save the Avid 2FA entry to your Avid login item in 1Password, then store the recovery codes in the same vault. If you do not have 1Password or an Avid login item yet, create one before you enable 2FA, or ask your internal IT / admin contact for access.
Each person must use their own Avid user. Do not enable 2FA on a shared account.
When to contact LockStep Support
Contact LockStep Support if you are locked out after enabling 2FA and you do not have recovery codes. Include:
- The email address on your Avid login
- The organization or client name you use in Avid
- When you enabled 2FA (date and approximate time)
- Whether you still have the authenticator app entry, recovery codes, or neither
- A screenshot of any error message at login (as selectable text when possible)
Next steps
- Confirm you can sign out and sign back in with your password plus authenticator code.
- Review who on your team has their own Avid login in Settings > Team. See Manage user permissions and access levels.
- Store recovery codes with your other secure credentials, then delete any temporary downloads from your desktop or Downloads folder.
Notes and warnings
- 2FA applies to your user account, not to one shared device.
- If you replace your phone or reset your authenticator app, set up 2FA again before you lose access, or keep your recovery codes ready.
- Screenshot placeholders can be added later for the pencil icon, the Two-factor authentication enabled toggle, the QR code screen, and the recovery codes download.