itslearning 2FA: how to set up an authenticator app
By the Novaz team · Updated October 29, 2026
Novaz steps checked against version 1.0.5
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Schools and colleges use itslearning as their learning platform for courses, assignments and messages. If you're a system administrator (sysadmin) on an itslearning site, two-factor authentication (2FA) isn't optional: sysadmins can see all the data on the site, so itslearning makes 2FA mandatory for their accounts. You can put off the setup for up to 5 logins, and after that you have to finish it (itslearning). For local admins it isn't mandatory (itslearning). Teachers, students and parents may also be asked to set up two-factor login the first time they log in, depending on how their site is set up (itslearning).
The only second factor itslearning describes is a code from an authenticator app, with a one-time email code as the backup. This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone, but any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the itslearning steps come from itslearning's own Help Centre, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. Its 2FA article is written for system administrators. We haven't tested the steps on an itslearning account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Before you start: SSO sites
Many itslearning sites use single sign-on (SSO) with their own login page instead of the one at itslearning.com (itslearning). itslearning's pages don't say how its own 2FA works on those sites, so ask your school's itslearning administrator.
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
itslearning doesn't put this behind a settings switch. A four-step wizard opens when you log in and 2FA is due (itslearning):
- Install an authenticator app. itslearning names Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, Duo Mobile and Authy. Novaz isn't on that list, but the setup is the usual QR code and time-based codes, which is what Novaz makes. Click Next.
- Connect your authenticator app. itslearning shows a QR code. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at the screen. If you're setting this up on the same iPhone, take a screenshot and use Choose a photo instead (how that works).
- If the QR code won't scan, itslearning also shows a key you can type in. The article doesn't give it a name. In Novaz, tap +, then Enter key manually, and fill in Service, Account (optional) and Setup key. See What is a 2FA setup key?
- Type the code Novaz shows into the code field and click Next.
- Confirm setup. A screen tells you 2FA is connected. Click Next.
- Verify your back-up email. itslearning takes you to your Edit profile page. Check that the email address there is one you can read, then click Confirm.
Don't skip the email check in step 6. That address is your only documented way back in if you lose the app (more below).
Logging in afterwards
As a sysadmin, you enter your username and password, then a code from the app, at every login. itslearning says the code changes every 30 seconds (itslearning). That matches Novaz's default, so a typed key works as well as a scanned one. Type the current code and click Next.
No backup codes, but an email code
itslearning's 2FA article doesn't mention backup or recovery codes. Its fallback is a one-time code sent by email. On the 2FA login page, click Problems with the code, and itslearning emails a code to the address in your profile. The code expires after 5 minutes (itslearning).
If you lose the phone and have no Novaz backup, your profile email is the safety net. Keep it current, and pick an address you won't lose along with your phone.
If itslearning rejects your code
itslearning's pages don't cover rejected codes. The usual cause is the iPhone's clock: open Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?
If the app still won't work, use Problems with the code to get an email code instead.
Changing phones
itslearning wants you to disconnect 2FA from the old phone before you connect the new one (itslearning):
- Click your name in the top menu to open your personal settings.
- Select Your settings.
- Select Two-factor authentication and click Disconnect.
- Log out, log in again, and go through the setup wizard with the new phone.
If you back up Novaz with iCloud backup or a backup file, you can instead restore the itslearning entry on the new iPhone and keep using it. Without a backup, this is the route to take. Afterwards, open the old itslearning entry in Novaz on the old phone and tap Remove account. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
If the old phone is gone, itslearning's answer is the email code. Click Problems with the code on the login page, log in with the code from your email, and then follow the Disconnect steps above to set up 2FA on your new phone (itslearning).
If you can't get into that email either, itslearning's 2FA article doesn't describe another route. For login problems in general, itslearning sends people to their school's itslearning administrator, who manages the accounts on the site (itslearning). itslearning doesn't say what proof is needed or how long a reset takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Turning 2FA off
Disconnect under Two-factor authentication in Your settings removes 2FA from your account. For sysadmins that's only a step in changing phones: 2FA is mandatory, so expect to be asked to set it up again.
