Goodbudget Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection to your Goodbudget Household. When enabled, Goodbudget requires a 6-digit security code each time you log in using your username and password. You can choose to receive your security code either via your Household Email address or through an authenticator app on your phone.
Turn on MFA with Email
Using your Household Email is the recommended method for receiving MFA security codes.
- Click on My Household in the upper right corner.
- Click Manage MFA.
- Select Send the code to your Household Email.
- Click Send me a verification code. Goodbudget will send a 6-digit security code to your registered Household Email address.
- Check your email inbox for a message with the subject line “Goodbudget – Here’s your code to turn on MFA”.
- Enter the 6-digit verification code into the Enter code from email field.
- If you didn’t receive a code, click “Send me a new code” to request another one.
- Click Turn on MFA.
Once verified, MFA will be enabled, and future login attempts will send a one-time verification code to your Household Email.
Turn on MFA with an Authenticator App
You can also use a third-party authenticator app on your smartphone (such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or 1Password) to generate security codes.
- Click on My Household in the upper right corner.
- Click Manage MFA.
- Select Use an authenticator app on your phone.
- Open your authenticator app on your phone and scan the displayed QR code.
- Get the temporary 6-digit security code from your authenticator app.
- Enter the code in the Code from authenticator app field.
- Click Turn on MFA to save your preferences and activate MFA.
Once verified, MFA will be enabled, and future login attempts will require the 6-digit code from your authenticator when logging in on the web.
Turn Off MFA for Web
If you no longer wish to use Multi-Factor Authentication on the web, you can disable it at any time.
- Go to My Household in the upper right corner.
- Click Manage MFA.
- Click the Turn Off MFA button.
Once disabled, you will only need your username and password to log in on the web.
Note on Changing Your Email: If you update your Household Email address, MFA for web will automatically be disabled for your security. You’ll see a prompt giving you the option to re-enable MFA right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why wasn’t I asked to enter a verification code when logging into Goodbudget on the web?
A: You will not be prompted to enter a security code if you haven’t logged out of your previous web session. If you checked the “Stay signed in for 2 weeks” option when logging in, your session remains active, and you won’t be prompted for a code until those two weeks expire or until you manually log out.
Q: Does enabling Multi-Factor Authentication on the web protect my mobile apps?
A: MFA for web only enables security codes when logging in via a web browser. If you use Goodbudget on your mobile devices, you will not be prompted to enter MFA security codes there.
Q: If I share my budget with someone else, will they also need to use a security code to log in?
A: Yes. Anyone who shares your budget will also be required to verify their identity with a security code when logging in with a username and password on the web. Because of this, be sure to choose a verification method that everyone sharing the budget can access.
