Redis Cloud 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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Redis Cloud is Redis's hosted database service, and its console at cloud.redis.io is where you create subscriptions, manage databases and invite your team. Its multi-factor authentication (MFA) has one rule that surprises people: you can't start with an authenticator app. Redis Cloud first needs a mobile number for text-message codes, and only after that can you connect an app as a second option (Redis). We use Authenticator App - Novaz on iPhone for the app steps, but any authenticator app works the same way.
How we checked this guide: the Redis Cloud steps come from Redis's own documentation and support knowledge base, linked below, which we read on October 21, 2026. The support articles were read through the help center's public article feed, because its web pages blocked automated access. We haven't tested the steps on a Redis Cloud account, so a label may differ slightly. The Novaz steps are checked against the app, version 1.0.5.
Who this applies to
Two groups work differently:
- SAML single sign-on users: Redis Cloud leaves MFA to your company's identity provider and doesn't enforce its own (Redis).
- Google or GitHub sign-in: Redis Cloud offers both (Redis), but its MFA page doesn't say how MFA applies to these accounts.
The setting belongs to you as a user, not to the team. An administrator can see whether a member has MFA on (Redis), but can't turn it on for them (Redis). Once you turn it on, it covers every Redis Cloud account you belong to.
Step 1: set up text-message MFA
- Sign in to the Redis Cloud console.
- Select your name in the console menu, then User Profile.
- Find Multi-factor authentication.
- Type your mobile number in the Text message box and select Send code.
- Enter the code from the text message and select Verify.
MFA is now on, with text messages as your only method (Redis). For why an app is the stronger choice, see authenticator app vs. SMS.
Step 2: connect an authenticator app
- In User Profile, go back to Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Select Connect next to the authenticator app option. Redis Cloud shows a QR code.
- In Novaz, tap +, then Scan QR code, and point the camera at the code. If the console is open on the same iPhone, take a screenshot, tap +, then Choose a photo. See scanning a QR code on the same iPhone.
- Type the code Novaz shows into Redis Cloud to confirm the setup.
Redis's page only mentions the QR code. It doesn't describe a text key you can type in, so scanning is the way to go. If the console does offer a key, add it in Novaz with +, then Enter key manually (What is a 2FA setup key?).
Signing in afterwards
Each time you sign in, you enter your username and password, then a code. You can pick a text-message code or the code from your authenticator app (Redis). The page doesn't mention trusted devices or a "remember me" option.
No backup codes
Redis's MFA page doesn't mention backup or recovery codes. Your fallback is the text-message method, which stays on after you connect an app. Without a Novaz backup (iCloud backup or a backup file), the keys exist only on your iPhone, so if that iPhone also gets the texts, losing it takes away both.
If Redis Cloud rejects your code
Redis's pages don't cover rejected app codes. Try a text-message code instead, then check the iPhone's clock: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically. Novaz warns you when the clock is 15 seconds or more off. More causes are in Authenticator code not working?
New phone or new number
For a new number, open the MFA section in User Profile, select Change number, and verify the new one with a text code (Redis). Redis doesn't describe moving or reconnecting the authenticator app on its own. Do it while you can still sign in on the old phone. If you keep a Novaz iCloud backup or backup file, restore it on the new iPhone and Redis Cloud comes with it. Otherwise, you'll add Redis Cloud to the new one as a fresh account. See How to transfer your authenticator app to a new iPhone.
If you lose your authenticator
Sign in with a text-message code if you still have the number. Redis also asks you to update your MFA settings after a lost or stolen phone, so nobody else can use it to sign in. If MFA keeps you out completely, Redis's advice is to contact support (Redis).
Redis doesn't list the proof it wants in an MFA case. Its general account-recovery article says support checks ownership with billing details, such as the last four digits of your most recent card, the last payment amount, and your account name and billing address, and can't promise access without them (Redis). Neither page says how long it takes. More in Lost the phone with your authenticator app?
Turning MFA off, and owner enforcement
To turn MFA off for yourself, open your profile, find Multi-Factor Authentication, and select Deactivate.
An account owner can make MFA mandatory for everyone: Account Settings, then under Security switch the MFA environment toggle on and select Save changes. Members without MFA must set it up the next time they sign in, and nobody can turn theirs off while enforcement is on (Redis). Since setup starts with a text message, every member needs a mobile number that can receive codes.
