How Do I Setup Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) On My CPanel Account

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in cPanel & WHM

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your cPanel and WHM accounts by requiring a temporary verification code during login.

ℹ Recommended: Use an authenticator app such as Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator or Authy for the best account security.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

2FA protects your hosting account using two forms of verification:

  • Something you know - your password
  • Something you have - a security code generated by your authenticator app

Even if somebody discovers your password, they cannot access your account without your authentication device.

Requirements

  • Access to your cPanel or WHM account
  • An authenticator application installed on your mobile device or desktop

Recommended Authenticator Apps

Application Supported Devices
Microsoft Authenticator iPhone / Android
Google Authenticator iPhone / Android
Authy iPhone / Android / Desktop
⚠ Important: Keep your authentication device secure. If you lose access to it, you may need to contact support to regain account access.

Set Up 2FA in cPanel

Step 1 - Open Two-Factor Authentication

Log in to your cPanel account and locate the Security section. Click Two-Factor Authentication.

Two-Factor Authentication option in cPanel

Figure 1: Two-Factor Authentication option in cPanel

Step 2 - Configure 2FA

Click Set Up Two-Factor Authentication. A QR code and manual setup details will appear on-screen.

QR code setup screen in cPanel

Figure 2: QR code used to link your authenticator app

Open your authenticator app and scan the QR code.

If you cannot scan the QR code, you can manually enter the provided setup key into your authentication app.

Step 3 - Verify and Enable

Enter the six-digit verification code generated by your authenticator app and click Configure Two-Factor Authentication.

✔ Success: Two-Factor Authentication is now enabled for your cPanel account.

Set Up 2FA in WHM

  1. Log in to your WHM account
  2. Navigate to Security Center > Two-Factor Authentication
  3. Enable the Two-Factor Authentication Security Policy
  4. Open the Manage My Account tab
  5. Click Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
  6. Scan the QR code or manually enter the setup key into your authenticator app
  7. Enter the generated verification code and complete setup
✔ Configured: 2FA is now active on your WHM account.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Two-Factor Authentication only protects cPanel, WHM and supported Webmail logins. FTP accounts, databases and email clients are not normally affected.

If you lose access to your authenticator device, please contact support. You may be required to verify your identity before 2FA can be reset.

Yes. You can disable Two-Factor Authentication from the same 2FA settings page inside cPanel or WHM.

Two-Factor Authentication must be enabled on the server. If the option is missing, please contact support.

Need Help?

If you experience any issues enabling or using Two-Factor Authentication, our support team will be happy to help.

Need help with hosting, email or migrations - just ask our support team.
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