If you lose your code generation device (such as your mobile phone) and you need
to disable two-factor authentication on your account, you have several options.
To disable two-factor authentication on your account (for example, if you
have lost your code generation device) you can:
*[Use a saved recovery code](#use-a-saved-recovery-code)
*[Generate new recovery codes using SSH](#generate-new-recovery-codes-using-SSH)
*[Ask a GitLab administrator to disable two-factor authentication on your account](#ask-a-gitlab-administrator-to-disable-two-factor-authentication-on-your-account)
### Use a saved recovery code
When you enabled two-factor authentication for your account, a series of
recovery codes were generated. If you saved those codes somewhere safe, you
may use one to sign in.
Enabling two-factor authentication for your account generated several recovery
codes. If you saved these codes, you can use one of them to sign in.
First, enter your username/email and password on the GitLab sign in page. When
prompted for a two-factor code, enter one of the recovery codes you saved
previously.
To use a recovery code, enter your username/email and password on the GitLab
sign-in page. When prompted for a two-factor code, enter the recovery code.
> **Note:** Once a particular recovery code has been used, it cannot be used again.
You may still use the other saved recovery codes at a later time.
> **Note:** Once you use a recovery code, you cannot re-use it. You can still
use the other recovery codes you saved.
### Generate new recovery codes using SSH
It's not uncommon for users to forget to save the recovery codes when enabling
two-factor authentication. If you have an SSH key added to your GitLab account,
you can generate a new set of recovery codes using SSH.
Run `ssh git@gitlab.example.com 2fa_recovery_codes`. You will be prompted to
confirm that you wish to generate new codes. If you choose to continue, any
previously saved codes will be invalidated.
```bash
$ ssh git@gitlab.example.com 2fa_recovery_codes
Are you sure you want to generate new two-factor recovery codes?
Any existing recovery codes you saved will be invalidated. (yes/no)
yes
Your two-factor authentication recovery codes are:
119135e5a3ebce8e
11f6v2a498810dcd
3924c7ab2089c902
e79a3398bfe4f224
34bd7b74adbc8861
f061691d5107df1a
169bf32a18e63e7f
b510e7422e81c947
20dbed24c5e74663
df9d3b9403b9c9f0
During sign in, use one of the codes above when prompted for
your two-factor code. Then, visit your Profile Settings and add
a new device so you do not lose access to your account again.
```
Next, go to the GitLab sign in page and enter your username/email and password.
When prompted for a two-factor code, enter one of the recovery codes obtained
from the command line output.
> **Note:** After signing in, you should immediately visit your **Profile Settings
-> Account** to set up two-factor authentication with a new device.
### Ask a GitLab administrator to disable two-factor on your account
If the above two methods are not possible, you may ask a GitLab global
administrator to disable two-factor authentication for your account. Please
be aware that this will temporarily leave your account in a less secure state.
You should sign in and re-enable two-factor authentication as soon as possible
after the administrator disables it.
Users often forget to save their recovery codes when enabling two-factor
authentication. If an SSH key is added to your GitLab account, you can generate
a new set of recovery codes with SSH.
1. Run `ssh git@gitlab.example.com 2fa_recovery_codes`.
2. You are prompted to confirm that you want to generate new codes. Continuing this process invalidates previously saved codes.
```
bash
$ ssh git@gitlab.example.com 2fa_recovery_codes
Are you sure you want to generate new two-factor recovery codes?
Any existing recovery codes you saved will be invalidated. (yes/no)
yes
Your two-factor authentication recovery codes are:
119135e5a3ebce8e
11f6v2a498810dcd
3924c7ab2089c902
e79a3398bfe4f224
34bd7b74adbc8861
f061691d5107df1a
169bf32a18e63e7f
b510e7422e81c947
20dbed24c5e74663
df9d3b9403b9c9f0
During sign in, use one of the codes above when prompted for your
two-factor code. Then, visit your Profile Settings and add a new device
so you do not lose access to your account again.
```
3. Go to the GitLab sign-in page and enter your username/email and password. When prompted for a two-factor code, enter one of the recovery codes obtained
from the command-line output.
> **Note:** After signing in, visit your **Profile Settings -> Account** immediately to set up two-factor authentication with a new
device.
### Ask a GitLab administrator to disable two-factor authentication on your account
If you cannot use a saved recovery code or generate new recovery codes, ask a
GitLab global administrator to disable two-factor authentication for your
account. This will temporarily leave your account in a less secure state.
Sign in and re-enable two-factor authentication as soon as possible.
