Backup codes if you lose your authenticator

Backup codes are your way back in if your phone is lost, broken, or wiped. Each code works once.

Where to find it

Settings → Security, in the Backup codes card. Codes are made for you the moment you set up an authenticator app (see Setting up two-factor login); before that the card just says so.

The Backup codes card before an authenticator app is set up: it explains that codes are created when you set one up, with no "unused codes left" count yet

How it works

• Ten codes are created when you set up your authenticator. Renta shows them once, in a box called "Save these backup codes now", and keeps only a scrambled copy. Print them or keep them in a password manager, not on the phone. Press Copy all to copy them, tick "I have saved these somewhere I can reach without my phone.", then press Done.
• "N unused codes left" — shows how many you have. At two or fewer, a warning says to generate a fresh set.
• Generate new backup codes — makes a new set and cancels the old set immediately. Anyone who is set up can do this for their own codes. The button only appears once your authenticator is set up.
• Using a code — at the sign-in code prompt, press Lost your phone? Use a backup code, type the code (it looks like ABCDE-12345), and press Continue. Using one removes your current authenticator, so Renta asks you to set up a new one straight away.

Example

Your phone breaks. At the code prompt you press Lost your phone? Use a backup code, type one saved code, and sign in. You then set up the authenticator on your new phone and save a fresh set of codes.

Good to know

• If you lose your phone and your codes, email team@rentalabs.io. Renta staff can clear your authenticator and codes so you can start again.
• Make sure you have saved the new set before discarding the old one, because the old codes stop working at once.
• For more quick answers see Common questions: two-factor login and security.