Knack 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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Knack is a no-code platform for building database apps. Your Knack account opens the Dashboard and the Builder, where your apps are made. Knack has two separate kinds of two-factor authentication (2FA): one protects your own Knack account and the Builder, and the other protects the people who sign in to an app you've built (Knack). Both use an authenticator app.
This guide is mainly about the first kind, which Knack calls Builder 2FA. It's optional, and Knack's help page doesn't list any backup codes for it, which matters if you ever lose your phone. A short section near the end covers the second kind for app users. We use Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone in the steps, but any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the Knack steps come from Knack's own documentation, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. We haven't tested them on a Knack 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
Knack's Builder 2FA page, updated in August 2026, gives these steps (Knack):
- Log in to the Knack Dashboard.
- Go to Settings, then Personal. The same page refers to this area as the Security section of the Dashboard.
- Click Enable 2FA. Knack walks you through three steps: install an app, scan a QR code, and enter a code.
- When the QR code appears, open 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, tap +, then Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- Type the 6-digit code Novaz shows to confirm the setup.
Knack says any app that makes time-based (TOTP) codes works. Its Builder page doesn't mention a text key to type instead of scanning, so plan on scanning the QR code. If Knack does show a key, tap +, then Enter key manually in Novaz and paste it as the Setup key (What is a 2FA setup key?). Knack's overview says its codes change every 30 seconds, which is what Novaz uses for typed keys (Knack).
Knack's overview also notes that 2FA comes with Pro plans and above. It doesn't say clearly whether that limit applies to Builder 2FA or only to 2FA for app users.
When Knack asks for a code
Once it's on, Knack asks for a code from your app every time you log in to the Builder, after your email and password (Knack). The page doesn't mention trusted or remembered devices.
Builder 2FA is set per person. Knack says it's only available to individual account owners for now, and there's no setting to make shared builders on your apps turn it on.
No backup codes
Knack's Builder 2FA page doesn't mention backup or recovery codes, a second method, or a way to move the authenticator to a new phone. Unless you back up Novaz with iCloud backup or a backup file, losing that phone means a support request. Keep the email address on your Knack account working: support asks for it.
If Knack rejects your code
Knack's help doesn't cover rejected codes. Start with your iPhone's clock: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off. Other causes are in Authenticator code not working?
If you lose your authenticator
Knack's only documented route is support. If you can't log in because you've lost your authenticator app or device, Knack says to contact support through the form linked on its Builder 2FA page, or by email at support@knack.com, and to include your account email (Knack). The page doesn't say what other proof support asks for or how long it takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Changing phones or turning 2FA off
To turn Builder 2FA off, go back to the Security section of the Knack Dashboard, click Disable 2FA, enter a 6-digit code from your app, and click Disable. Knack says the change takes effect right away (Knack).
Knack doesn't describe a separate way to change phones, but turning 2FA off and on again gets you a new QR code. Do it while the old iPhone still works, because disabling needs a current code. If you have a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, you can skip this and restore the Knack entry on the new iPhone. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone. Otherwise, afterward, open the old Knack entry in Novaz and tap Remove account.
If you sign in to an app built with Knack
If a Knack app asks you to set up 2FA, that's the app's own login, not a Knack account. The builder can require it for every user of the app (Knack). After your username and password, you get a screen with a QR code and a secret key. You have 5 minutes to scan the code or enter the key and type the 6-digit code; after that, a new QR code and key appear. Knack suggests copying the secret key and storing it safely.
If you lose your phone, the app's builder can reset your 2FA, and you'll be asked to set it up again at your next login. Contact whoever runs that app rather than Knack.
