Nexcess 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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The Nexcess Client Portal, at sites-portal.nexcess.com, is where you manage Nexcess hosting plans, invoices and support tickets. Two-factor authentication (2FA) there is optional and free. It works with an authenticator app, and once it's on you can also get a sign-in code by text message (Nexcess). This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone, but any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the Nexcess steps come from Nexcess's own documentation, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. We haven't tested them on a Nexcess account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Which portal are you in?
This guide is for sites-portal.nexcess.com, filed under Sites & Stores in Nexcess's docs. If you sign in at portal.nexcess.com, that's the former Liquid Web portal, with different 2FA steps (Nexcess).
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
Nexcess describes these steps (Nexcess, Nexcess):
- Sign in at sites-portal.nexcess.com.
- Open the account menu, the drop-down list at the top right, and select 2-Factor Auth.
- Click the Enable Two-Factor Authentication toggle.
- Nexcess shows a QR code and a key. In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at the code. If the portal is open on the same iPhone, take a screenshot, tap +, then Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- To type the key instead, tap +, then Enter key manually, enter "Nexcess" as the Service and the key as the Setup key. See What is a 2FA setup key?
- Type the code from Novaz into the Authentication Code box and click Update.
- Nexcess then offers a list of Backup Codes. Save them before you leave the page.
Before you scan, Nexcess suggests checking that your phone sets its time automatically. On iPhone that's Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically.
Nexcess says its codes are six digits but doesn't give the interval. Scan the QR code when you can, since it carries the code settings. A key typed by hand always gets 6 digits every 30 seconds in Novaz.
Save the backup codes and the key
Nexcess lists two ways back in and recommends having both before you close the setup screen (Nexcess):
- Backup codes. Each one lets you skip the authenticator code once.
- The secret key. This is the string of letters and numbers next to the QR code. Nexcess calls it "the only way to recover access without contacting support."
Without a Novaz backup, its keys exist only on your iPhone, so these two are your way back in. Keep them in a password manager or on paper, away from the phone. More in 2FA backup codes.
Signing in with 2FA on
After your password, Nexcess asks for the six-digit code in the Authentication Code field on the Log In page, then you click Log In. If you tick Remember this device for 30 days, that browser stops asking for a while (Nexcess).
If your cell phone number is saved on your Client Portal user, the sign-in page also has a Send SMS Code button. To add or change the number, open the drop-down list, choose Team, click the edit icon next to your user, fill in Country Code and Cell Phone, and click Save (Nexcess). See authenticator app vs. SMS.
If Nexcess rejects your code
Nexcess blames most failures on the time, so check that your iPhone sets its clock automatically. Novaz warns you when it's 15 seconds or more off. Nexcess adds that a wrong computer clock can cause the same problem: let it sync with an internet time server, and restart your browser if the code still fails (Nexcess). More causes are in Authenticator code not working?
Changing phones
Nexcess doesn't describe moving 2FA to a new phone. With Novaz's iCloud backup or a backup file, you can restore your accounts on the new iPhone. Otherwise, if you saved the secret key, add it to Novaz on the new iPhone with Enter key manually. If you didn't, keep the old phone working until the new one is set up. Nexcess's section is titled Enable or Disable Two-Factor Authentication, but it only gives the steps for turning 2FA on, so ask Support if you're unsure. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
Sign in with one of your backup codes, or with Send SMS Code if your phone number is on file. Without either, contact Nexcess Support to have 2FA turned off. Nexcess says it will ask for a valid form of identification before it removes 2FA, and that you should set up a new authenticator right after (Nexcess). It doesn't say how long this takes.
When you call Nexcess, you also need your account ID and six-digit account PIN. Both show along the top of the Client Portal while you're signed in, with an eye icon to reveal the PIN (Nexcess). Note them now, while you can still see them. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
