Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Using two-factor authentication verifies a user’s identity with two methods, adding extra security to ensure only authorized individuals can access an account, even if the password is compromised.

If you choose to enable two-factor authentication, at every login you will need to provide:

Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)

To enable Two-factor Authentication with a one-time password:

On the Hugging Face Hub:

  1. Go to your Authentication settings
  2. Select Add Two-Factor Authentication

On your device (usually your phone):

  1. Install a compatible application. For example:
  2. In the application, add a new entry in one of two ways:

In Hugging Face Hub:

  1. Enter the six-digit pin number from your authentication device into “Code”
  2. Save

If you entered the correct pin, the Hub displays a list of recovery codes. Download them and keep them in a safe place.

You will be prompted for 2FA every time you log in, and every 30 days

Recovery codes

Right after you’ve successfully activated 2FA with a one-time password, you’re requested to download a collection of generated recovery codes. If you ever lose access to your one-time password authenticator, you can use one of these recovery codes to log in to your account.

If you lose the recovery codes, or want to generate new ones, you can use the Authentication settings page.

Regenerate two-factor authentication recovery codes

To regenerate 2FA recovery codes:

  1. Access your Authentication settings
  2. If you’ve already configured 2FA, select Recovery Code
  3. Click on Regenerate recovery codes
If you regenerate 2FA recovery codes, save them. You can’t use any previously created recovery codes.

Sign in with two-factor authentication enabled

When you sign in with 2FA enabled, the process is only slightly different than the standard sign-in procedure. After entering your username and password, you’ll encounter an additional prompt, depending on the type of 2FA you’ve set up. When prompted, provide the pin from your one-time password authenticator’s app or a recovery code to complete the sign-in process.

Disable two-factor authentication

To disable 2FA:

  1. Access your Authentication settings
  2. Click on “Remove”.

This clears all your 2FA registrations.

Recovery options

If you no longer have access to your authentication device, you can still recover access to your account:

Use a recovery code

To use a recovery code:

  1. Enter your username or email, and password, on the Hub sign-in page
  2. When prompted for a two-factor code, click on “Lost access to your two-factor authentication app? Use a recovery code”
  3. Enter one of your recovery codes

After you use a recovery code, you cannot re-use it. You can still use the other recovery codes you saved.

Requesting help with two-factor authentication

In case you’ve forgotten your password and lost access to your two-factor authentication credentials, you can reach out to support (website@huggingface.co) to regain access to your account. You’ll be required to verify your identity using a recovery authentication factor, such as an SSH key or personal access token.

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