Why is my two-factor authentication like this?

[mgxhhg]

Discussion Type

Product Feedback

Discussion Content

[VictorMoni]

Hi @mgxhhg

The screen looks like this because it’s the official GitHub page for enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app.
The process works exactly like this:

1. Scan the QR Code

Open an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or 1Password.

Use the “Add account” or “Scan QR code” option to scan the QR code on the screen.

2. Verification code

After scanning, the app will generate 6-digit codes that change every 30 seconds.

Enter the current code into the “Verify the code from the app” field (like the TR… shown in the screenshot).

3. Alternative via SMS (optional)

If you prefer, you can enable “SMS authentication” to receive codes on your phone.

GitHub recommends using an authenticator app because SMS is less secure.

The reason you see this layout is because you’re at the middle step of the setup process — GitHub is waiting for you to scan the QR code or use the setup key manually to link your authenticator app to your account.

If you find this helpful don't forget to submit this as answered please 😁🙏

[mgxhhg]

Thanks

[jcodes101]

This is the normal GitHub two-factor authentication setup screen.
The QR code and the alphanumeric key shown are used to connect your account to an authenticator app (e.g., Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator).
The value shown in your screenshot (TRI26SW07RPKDFT5) is not the verification code — it is the setup key.
To complete setup:

Scan the QR code or manually enter the key into your authenticator app.
The app will generate a 6-digit time-based one-time password (changes every ~30 seconds).
Enter that 6-digit code into the “Verify the code from the app” field, then click Continue.
Once completed, two-factor authentication will be enabled on your account.

[mecodeatlas]

Thanks for posting in the GitHub Community, @mgxhhg!

We're happy you're here. You are more likely to get a useful response if you are posting your question in the applicable category, the Discussions category is solely related to conversations around the GitHub product Discussions. This question should be in the General category. I've gone ahead and moved it for you. Good luck!

[Nishant-0203]

This is the normal GitHub two-factor authentication setup screen 👍.
The text you see (e.g. TRI26SW07RPKDFT5) is the setup key, not a login code. Here’s what to do:

Open an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, 1Password, etc.).

Use “Add account” → “Scan QR code” and point it at the QR on the GitHub page.

Or, if you can’t scan, manually enter the setup key shown.

The app will start generating 6-digit codes that refresh every 30 seconds.

Enter the current 6-digit code into GitHub’s “Verify code from the app” box and click Continue.

Once verified, 2FA will be enabled on your account.

📌 Tip: Save the recovery codes GitHub gives you afterward — they’re your backup if you ever lose access to the authenticator.