Filen 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app

Filen is an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service from Germany, with a web drive, desktop and mobile apps, and a command-line tool. Its two-factor authentication (2FA) is optional, and it works one way only: a code from an authenticator app. Filen says it doesn't offer SMS codes because it considers them too insecure (Filen). Hardware keys aren't supported directly either, though Filen says you can connect a YubiKey through Yubico's own app, which stores the same kind of time-based code (Filen).

This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way, and Filen's knowledge base names Google Authenticator and Authy as examples.

How we checked this guide: the Filen steps come from Filen's own knowledge base and its documentation at docs.filen.io, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. The knowledge base is one page of short answers that open when you click a question. We haven't tested the steps on a Filen account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.

Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app

The setting lives in the Security part of your Filen settings. Filen's web documentation gives this path (Filen):

1. Sign in to the web drive at app.filen.io.
2. Click the round profile image in the bottom left corner to open your settings.
3. Open the Security tab. Filen also links to it directly: app.filen.io/#/settings/security.
4. Next to Two Factor Authentication, turn the slider on.
5. Filen shows a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it.
6. Type the code that Novaz shows into Filen to confirm.

In the mobile app's settings, Two Factor Authentication (2FA) is listed in the Security section. Filen's mobile documentation says you scan the QR code and then enter the code from your app to confirm (Filen). If you're setting this up in the Filen app on the same iPhone that has Novaz, take a screenshot of the QR code, then in Novaz tap + and Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone. The desktop client has the same option in its security settings (Filen).

Filen's pages don't say whether the setup screen also shows a text key you can type by hand. They describe the QR code only, and the mobile page says the app's code has "at least 6 digits" (Filen). Scan the QR code rather than typing a key: the QR code carries the code length and timing to Novaz, while a key typed with Enter key manually always gives 6-digit, 30-second codes.

While you're on the Security tab, look at Export Master Keys too. Filen marks it as important: it's what keeps your files readable if you ever reset a forgotten password (Filen). That's separate from 2FA, but it sits right next to it.

When Filen asks for a code

Once 2FA is on, Filen asks for a code every time you sign in (Filen). That includes the command-line tool. Filen's CLI documentation says it prompts for the code if you haven't given one, and it accepts the code as an argument, an environment variable or a line in a credentials file (Filen). A code is only valid for a short time, so for scripts that run unattended, the CLI's saved sign-in or exported auth config is the practical route.

No backup codes in Filen's docs

Filen's knowledge base and documentation don't mention backup or recovery codes for 2FA. If the setup screen offers any, save them somewhere other than your phone. If it doesn't, plan for the support route described below. Novaz can help here if you turn on iCloud backup or export a backup file in Settings › Backup. Without either, its keys exist only on your iPhone. See 2FA backup codes.

If Filen rejects your code

Filen's advice is about time. Its knowledge base says a wrongly synced clock can leave the code on screen out of date, and that your 2FA app has to be synced to the right time (Filen). On iPhone, open Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off.

If the problem started during setup, Filen suggests deleting the Filen entry in your authenticator app and scanning the QR code again, then contacting support if that doesn't help (Filen). In Novaz, open the account and tap Remove account, then add it again. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?

Changing phones

Filen doesn't document a transfer or a way to replace the authenticator in place. While you can still sign in, the safe order is to set 2FA up on the new phone before you wipe the old one, using the same Two Factor Authentication setting. With a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, you can restore Filen on the new iPhone instead; without one, a new phone means adding Filen again. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.

If you lose your authenticator

Without codes, your way back in is Filen support, through the form at filen.io/contact/support. Filen's knowledge base lists what to include so it can check that the account is yours (Filen):

• the IP address you last used,
• the date of your last file upload or download,
• roughly when you created the account,
• if you pay for a plan, which subscription you took out and when.

Filen says any extra detail helps. It doesn't say how long a review takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?

Turning 2FA off

Filen's pages only describe turning the Two Factor Authentication slider on. They don't describe turning it off.

Official Filen help

• Knowledge base: the entries "Is 2FA available?", "Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)", "Invalid Two Factor Authentication code", "Unable to setup 2FA (Two-Factor-Authentication)", "I am having issues with my 2FA", "Is SMS based 2FA supported?" and "Can I setup my Yubikey for 2FA?"
• Settings and Security
• Settings (mobile app)
• Desktop Client Security Settings
• Authenticating (CLI)
• Contact support