Skip to main content
Two-factor authentication adds a second verification step when logging into your WordPress Dashboard. Enabling 2FA on your MainWP Dashboard does not affect MainWP functionality—it only secures the WordPress login process.

​
What You’ll Learn

  • How to install and configure a 2FA plugin on your Dashboard
  • How to set up your authenticator app
  • How to enforce 2FA for Dashboard users

​
Prerequisites

  • Admin access to your MainWP Dashboard WordPress site
  • An authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, etc.)

​
Install the 2FA Plugin

This example uses WP 2FA, but you can use any WordPress 2FA plugin.
1

Go to Add Plugins

From your MainWP Dashboard, navigate to WP Admin > Plugins > Add New.
2

Search and install

Search for WP 2FA and install it.
3

Activate the plugin

Activate the plugin. The setup wizard starts automatically.

​
Configure 2FA Settings

1

Choose authentication method

Select your preferred 2FA method:
  • One-time code via 2FA app (TOTP)
  • One-time code via email 2FA Settings - method selection
2

Select users to enforce 2FA

Choose which users must use 2FA.2FA Settings - user selection
3

Exclude users (optional)

Optionally exclude specific users or roles from the 2FA requirement.2FA Settings - role selection
4

Set grace period

Give users time to set up 2FA before it becomes mandatory.2FA Settings - grace period selection

​
Set Up Your Authenticator App

1

Scan the QR code

Scan the QR code or enter the code manually in your authenticator app.Authy plugin installation
2

Save the entry

Give the account a name and save. The app now generates 6-digit codes.Authy plugin code scan
3

Verify the code

Click I’M READY, enter the current code from your app, and click Validate and Save.Authy plugin settings confirmation
4

Generate backup codes

Optionally generate backup codes in case you lose access to your authenticator app.Authy plugin backup codes

​
Logging In with 2FA

After setup, the login process requires two steps:
  1. Enter your username and password as usual
  2. Enter the current 6-digit code from your authenticator app
2FA login code

​
Self-Check Checklist

  • 2FA plugin installed and activated on Dashboard
  • Authentication method configured
  • Authenticator app scanning completed
  • Verification code validated
  • Backup codes generated and stored securely
  • Login tested with 2FA verification