Two Factor Authentication, or 2FA, is a technique that adds a layer of security by requiring an additional authentication step to log in. For strong security, Vultr recommends:
Use a strong password. We have a free strong password generator available for your use.
Do not share your login information with any third party individual.
Use Two Factor Authentication for all users.
Vultr supports Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator and other compatible authenticator apps. Vultr also supports Yubikey and one-time-use emergency backup codes.
2FA does not affect API Calls.
2FA does not change server login credentials.
2FA can be enabled on a per-user basis and does not affect the entire account.
Vultr supports 2FA with Google Authenticator and other Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) apps that support RFC 6238 such as:
1Password
Authy
Bitwarden
FreeOTP
LastPass Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator
The Vultr portal refers to time-based codes as Google Auth.
Log into to your Vultr Account
Click Account -> Authentication -> Manage Two Factor Auth, or follow this link.
Choose Google Auth from the drop-down field.
Enter a description of your choice, such as the name of your smartphone or device.
Click the Add icon.
The next page displays a QR code. Scan the QR code with the Google Authenticator app or the Chrome extension.
Click Continue.
The Google Authenticator app will generate a six-digit code. Enter that code on the next page.
Log out of your Vultr account, and then log back in.
You will be prompted to enter an authentication code. Use the generated six-digit token on your app.
Google Authenticator will generate incorrect codes if the time on your device is out of sync. Here are steps to sync the time.
Open the Google Authenticator app.
Tap the More menu at the upper-right.
Tap Settings
Tap Time correction for codes
Tap Sync now
More information at Google Support
Go to Settings
Tap General
Tap Date & Time
Enable Set Automatically
More information at Apple support.
To use Yubikey Authentication, you need any of Yubico’s Yubikey USB devices.
Log into to your Vultr Account
Click Account -> Authentication -> Manage Two Factor Auth, or follow this link.
Choose Yubikey from the drop-down field.
Enter a description for your Yubikey.
Click Add.
Make sure your Yubikey device is plugged into one of your USB Ports on your computer.
Click in the text field to focus your cursor.
Press the Y button on your Yubikey device, or touch the edge of the device if you’re using a Yubikey Nano.
Click Update.
On the next page, repeat the previous steps and click Update.
Log out of your Vultr account, and then log back in.
When prompted to enter an authentication code, insert the Yubikey device into a USB port.
Press the Y button, or touch the edge of the device if using a Yubikey Nano.
After enabling two-factor authentication, you should create a list of one-time emergency codes in the Vultr Control Panel. These one-time emergency codes allow access to your account if you lose your two-factor authentication device.
Log into your Vultr Account.
Click Account -> Authentication -> Manage Two Factor Auth, or follow this link.
Choose Backup Codes from the drop-down field.
Enter a description of your choice, such as Emergency Codes
Click the Add icon.
Your codes are displayed. Record these codes in a secure place! They will not be displayed again.
Check the I have copied these codes in a safe place box.
Click Enable Emergency Codes.
To use your emergency codes:
Enter your email and password at the account login page.
At the Two-Factor Authentication prompt, enter one of your emergency codes.
Cross that code off your list. Do not use it again, because each energency code may be used one time only.
If you lose both your 2FA device and backup codes and can no longer log into your Vultr account, please contact support.