Two-factor authentication provides extra security 🔐 for the sign in process. It requires you to know both your email and password, as well as provide a verification code from a second device, usually a mobile phone.
SMS
Each time you sign in, a verification code is sent to your registered phone number via SMS. Keep in mind that this SMS can take a few minutes to arrive, especially for our customers outside of the US. If the code doesn’t appear after a few minutes, you can request it again.
This code is only good for one use. By entering the verification code that is sent to you, you are able to verify that you are in possession of your registered phone, and that you are the only person signing into your account, making 2FA more secure than a simple username and password when signing in.
Google Authenticator / Authy App
Download the Google Authenticator or Authy app to your iOS/Android device. These apps are the 2FA alternative to a text message sent to your phone. Connected to your Circle account, the app generates a 6 digit verification code that is good for one use.
You must set it up while signed into your account:
- Navigate to Settings and then Security
- Under the Method section, you can select Google Authenticator as opposed to Text Message
- Enter the verification code received by SMS, then scan the QR code with your authenticator app to sync your app to your Circle account
- Enter the new code from your authenticator app and click Done
Now, when you log in to your Circle account or initiate transactions, head to your chosen Authenticator app for your verification code and enter it into the space for the verification code.
Additional 2FA information:
Circle also allows customers to personalise 2FA settings for cashing out. You can elect to require 2FA for transfers that exceed a custom defined threshold over a 24 hour period ⏰ , or you can keep the default settings, which require 2FA for withdrawals any amount of money.
Note: This feature is set by default for amounts over £30, over a rolling 24 hour period. You may customise this for an amount of your choice in the Security tab in your Settings page.
If you lose access to your registered 2FA device, please go here, fill out the form with your details, and attach a color image of your government issued ID, as well as a color selfie image 📸 💁 of yourself holding your ID next to your face, so we can match your face with your ID. We will follow up once it is reset!
2FA is required for all Circle accounts and cannot be disabled.