---
title: "How to Enable Two Factor Authentication in Joomla 3.5"
description: "Two Factor Authentication provides an increased level of security in Joomla 3.5. This is because it requires you to scan a QR code to get a second password before you can gain access to your Admin..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/joomla/joomla-3/enable-two-factor-authentication/
date: 2016-02-16
modified: 2021-11-19
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["Joomla", "Joomla 3"]
tags: ["Joomla v3", "Joomla v3.5"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How to Enable Two Factor Authentication in Joomla 3.5

**Two Factor Authentication** provides an increased level of security in Joomla 3.5. This is because it requires you to scan a QR code to get a second password before you can gain access to your Admin Dashboard. In this tutorial we will show you how to *enable Two Factor Authentication* in Joomla 3.5. Then, you must use the Google Authenticator app along with your password to access your Admin Dashboard.

You must have the [Google Authenticator](https://support.google.com/accounts/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1066447) app installed on your phone or computer to login after completing this tutorial

## Enabling Two Factor Authentication

1. [Login to your Joomla 3.5 Admin Dashboard](/support/edu/joomla/how-to-log-in-to-administrative-dashboard/).
2. You will see a notification stating “*You have post-installation messages – There are important post-installation messages that require your attention. To view those messages please select the Review Messages button below. You can review the messages at any time by selecting the Components, Post-installation messages menu item of your site’s Administrator section. This information area won’t appear when you have hidden all messages.*” Click the **Review Messages** button. [![Two Factor Authentication](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_review-post-installation-messages.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_review-post-installation-messages.png)
3. Click the **Enable two factor authentication** button. [![Joomla 3.5 Authentication](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_enable-two-factor-authentication-in-joomla-35.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_enable-two-factor-authentication-in-joomla-35.png)
4. You will then see your user account details. Click the **Two Factor Authentication** tab, if you are not already there. [![2-Factor Authentication](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_two-factor-authentication-tab-joomla.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_two-factor-authentication-tab-joomla.png)
5. Click the drop-down box next to *Authentication Method*, and choose **Google Authenticator**. [![Selecting Authentication Method in Joomla 3.5](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_selecting-google-authenticator.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_selecting-google-authenticator.png)
6. Setup your Google Authenticator app by entering the provided **Account** name and **Key**, or by scanning the provided **QR** code. [![Google Two-Factor Authentication setup](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_setup-google-authenticator.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_setup-google-authenticator.png)
7. *Google Authenticator* will provide a code, enter it in the **Security Code** section. activating-two-factor-authentication.png
8. Click the **Save** button to enable *Two-Factor Authentication*. You will then see a message stating “*User successfully saved.*” Now when you login, you will have to enter your Username, Password, and Secret Key. The secret key is provided by your *Google Authenticator* app. [![Joomla 3.5 login with the Google Authenticator](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_two-factor-authentication-login.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/joomla_35_two-factor-authentication_two-factor-authentication-login.png)

Congratulations, now you know how to enable Two Factor Authentication in Joomla 3.5! Also, here is a helpful link to the official Joomla documentation on [Two Factor Authentication](https://docs.joomla.org/J3.x:Two_Factor_Authentication).