How to use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Reviewed on February 28, 2025

You can enable multifactor authentication on your Scaleway account for heightened security. Once enabled, an additional security code generated by your phone is required to access your account.

Multifactor authentication provides extra layers of security. In addition to your password (the first factor), other factors (such as an MFA app) are required to access your account. Even in the event of a leaked password, your account is protected.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console

How to download an MFA app

To use multifactor authentication on your account, you first need to download an MFA app onto your smartphone. Once configured, MFA apps display a constantly rotating set of codes to use with your different accounts when you are prompted for one during login. Popular MFA apps include:

• Authy
• FreeOTP
• Google Authenticator

Download the app of your choice and install it onto your smartphone.

How to enable MFA

1. Click your profile icon and name on the top-right navigation menu to go to the User Account page.
2. Click the My security tab.
   Important

   If you are logged in as an IAM Member, click Credentials in your user overview page and scroll down to the Multifactor authentication section.

3. Click Enable MFA, in the Multifactor authentication section. A pop-up displays.
4. Enter the code shown on the pop-up into your MFA app, or scan the QR code into your app. Your app sets up MFA for your Scaleway account and displays a 6-digit code.
5. Enter the 6-digit authentication code given by your app into the pop-up box, then click Submit. A pop-up displays.
6. Download or copy the backup codes shown, and save them in a safe place. These codes will be the only way to regain access to your account without your MFA app.

MFA is now enabled on your account.

Next time you log in to your Scaleway account, you will be prompted for an MFA code. Use your MFA app to get the code and enter it in the Scaleway console.

How to update MFA

If you no longer have access to the device in which you set up your MFA, you can update your MFA information and set it up via the Scaleway console.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• Enabled MFA on your account

1. Click your profile icon and name on the top-right navigation menu to go to the User Account page.
2. Click the My security tab.
3. Click Update MFA, in the Multifactor authentication section. A pop-up displays.
4. Enter the code shown on the pop-up into your MFA app, or scan the QR code into your app. Your app sets up MFA for your Scaleway account and displays a 6-digit code.
5. Enter the 6-digit code given by your app into the pop-up box, and click Submit. A pop-up displays.
6. Download or copy the backup codes shown, and save them in a safe place. These codes will be the only way to regain access to your account without your MFA app.

How to disable MFA

1. Click your profile icon and name on the top-right navigation menu to go to the User Account page.
2. Click the My security tab.
3. Click Disable MFA, in the Multifactor authentication section. A pop-up displays.
4. Type DISABLE in the box to confirm, then click Disable.

MFA is now disabled on your account.

How to regain access to your account

If you lose your MFA device

If you lose your authentication device, you can regain access to your account using the backup codes that were generated when you enabled MFA.

When you log into your account, you are prompted for an MFA code.

Enter one of your backup codes instead of a code generated by your MFA device in real-time, then click Log in. You are logged into your account and can disable MFA if you wish.

If you lose your MFA device and backup codes

If you lose both your MFA app and backup codes, the only way to regain access to your account is through a manual identity verification.

To do so, make a request to our Trust and Safety team. You must make your request from the e-mail address registered on your account. In your email, provide the following information:

• The telephone number registered on your account
• If you have an individual account, your passport or local ID card
• If you have a corporate account, the certificate of incorporation and a copy of the last Scaleway invoice you received

Submit the complete set of required documents via email to document@scaleway.com.

After analyzing your documents, our team will deactivate your two-factor authentication (2FA).