ReadMe 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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ReadMe hosts API documentation hubs, and your ReadMe account is the one you use to sign in to the dashboard where you edit projects, manage teammates and handle billing. Its two-factor authentication (2FA) has one method: a code from an authenticator app, typed after your password. ReadMe says it works with "any authenticator app that uses the TOTP" algorithm (ReadMe). There's no text-message option in its help, and the only fallback is a set of backup codes. 2FA is optional, but ReadMe strongly recommends it.
This guide uses Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone. Any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the ReadMe steps come from ReadMe's own documentation, including its screenshots, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. We haven't tested them on a ReadMe account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
One thing to rule out first: if you sign in to a company's developer docs that happen to be built on ReadMe, that login is often the company's own, passed to ReadMe through its custom login setup (ReadMe). This guide is about the ReadMe account itself, not those reader logins.
Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app
The 2FA setting lives in your profile, which you reach from the icon next to your account name at the top of the dashboard at dash.readme.com (ReadMe).
- Sign in to the ReadMe dashboard and open your profile settings (Edit profile).
- Find the two-factor section. ReadMe's text calls it Two Factor Auth and says to click Enable. The newer screenshot on the same page shows a Two-factor Authentication section with a switch labeled Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) (ReadMe). Use whichever your screen shows.
- Follow the instructions ReadMe gives. When it shows a QR code, open Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at it. If the QR code is 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 from Novaz to finish.
- Save the 10 backup codes ReadMe gives you during setup.
ReadMe's help doesn't describe the setup screens in detail, and it doesn't say whether a text key is offered in place of the QR code. If you do see one, tap +, then Enter key manually in Novaz, and paste it into Setup key. See What is a 2FA setup key?
Your 10 backup codes
These codes are your only documented way in if you can't get a code from your app. Each one works once (ReadMe). Novaz can keep a backup of its own (iCloud backup or a backup file), but without one its keys exist only on your iPhone, so treat these codes as your safety net either way. Keep them in a password manager or on paper, not on the same phone.
When you're down to a few, make a fresh set in your profile settings. ReadMe's text names the button View Backup Codes, while its newer screenshot shows Recovery codes with a Generate New Codes button. Either way, a new set cancels the old one, so replace your saved copy right away. More in 2FA backup codes.
When ReadMe asks for a code
Once 2FA is on, ReadMe asks for a code from your authenticator app along with your password when you log in (ReadMe). Its help doesn't mention trusted devices or a way to skip the code on a familiar computer.
If ReadMe rejects your code
ReadMe's help has no advice on rejected codes. The most common cause is the iPhone's clock: open Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. Novaz shows a warning when your clock is 15 seconds or more off. For other causes, see Authenticator code not working?
New phone
ReadMe doesn't document how to move 2FA to another phone. With Novaz, you can restore your accounts on the new iPhone from iCloud backup or with Import from file…. Without a Novaz backup, you'll need to set ReadMe up again, so plan for this before you switch: keep the old phone and your backup codes until the new one works. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
Sign in with one of your backup codes, then set up 2FA again on your new device. If you have neither the app nor any backup codes, ReadMe's help says to email support@readme.io (ReadMe). It doesn't say what proof support asks for or how long it takes, so write from the email address on the account. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Turning 2FA off
ReadMe's help doesn't explain how to turn 2FA off. The newer screenshot shows it as a switch in the same profile section, which suggests you switch it off there, but the docs don't confirm the steps.
