Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra security check when you log in to Timely. In this guide, you will learn how to resolve common problems with logging in with MFA, setting up MFA and account access.
Important note: Timely will be rolling out multi-factor
authentication (MFA) to users in stages throughout October - December 2026.
If you’re notified that MFA is available for your account, we recommend setting
it up before your enforcement date.
When logging in with MFA
A Check the verification method shown on the Timely log-in screen before looking for your code.
B Authenticator app: open your authenticator app and find the Timely entry. The code is generated in the app and is not sent by email or SMS.
C Email verification: check the inbox for the email address you use to log in to Timely. The email will come from noreply@auth.gettimely.com
Timely tip: If you have set up both methods, Timely will ask for an authenticator app code first. You can switch to email when the option is available on the verification screen.
Troubleshooting verification codes
I have not received my email verification code
A Make sure you are checking the inbox for the email address you use to log in to Timely.
B Search for the most recent email from noreply@auth.gettimely.com
C Check your spam and junk folders, along with any inbox rules or business email security filters.
D Check that your mailbox is not full and can receive new emails.
E Return to the Timely login page, enter your email and password again, then request a new code.
Timely tip: You will need to wait one minute before requesting another code. If you have requested more than one, use the most recent code you received.
My email verification code is not working
A Email verification codes expire after 30 minutes. Use the most recent six-digit code you received. Requesting a new code will make an earlier code invalid.
B If the code has expired, return to the login page and log in with your email and password again.
C Request a new code and enter it promptly. You may need to wait one minute after your previous request.
My authenticator app code is not working
A Authenticator app codes change every 30 seconds. Open your authenticator app when you are ready to sign in and use the code currently displayed for Timely.
B Make sure you have selected the Timely entry in your authenticator app, especially if the app contains codes for several services or accounts.
C Wait for a new code, then enter it before it changes.
D If you recently reset your authenticator app method, use the newest Timely entry and delete the old entry so the codes are not confused.
I have reached the maximum number of attempts
A If you see “Maximum attempts exceeded. Please try again in 60 minutes”, stop entering codes for that method. Wait 60 minutes before trying that verification method again.
B Use your other verification method if it is available on the screen.
C If you cannot access another method, ask your Timely account owner or an administrator to reset your MFA. If you are the account owner, contact support.
Timely tip: We recommend setting up both an Authenticator app and email verification, so you have an alternative method to use if you need it.
Troubleshooting MFA set up
I cannot scan the authenticator app QR code
If you are setting up MFA on the same device as your authenticator app, or the QR code will not scan, use the setup key instead:
A On the Login and Security setup screen, select Copy setup key.
B Open your authenticator app and choose the option to enter a setup key manually.
C Paste the setup key into the authenticator app.
D Enter the six-digit code generated by the authenticator app into Timely and select Verify.
I only want to use email verification
A When prompted to set up an authenticator app, select Skip this step. You can then continue setting up email verification.
Timely tips: We recommend setting up both an Authenticator app and email verification, so you have an alternative method to use if you need it. Email verification codes can only be sent to the email address you use to log in to Timely. You cannot nominate a different email address during MFA setup.
I cannot see the option to set up MFA
A MFA is being made available to Timely users in stages. If you are eligible, you will receive an email and an in-app notification from Timely.
B If you already use SMS two-factor authentication (2FA), continue using SMS 2FA. You won't need to set up authenticator app or email MFA yet.
C PIN-only users do not need to set up MFA unless their account is changed to allow email and password login.
Regaining access to your account
I have lost access to my phone or authenticator app
A If email verification is also set up, switch to email on the verification screen and sign in.
B If you have an authenticator app on a device you no longer have access to, ask your account owner or a staff member with admin access to reset your MFA from the Staff access settings.
C If you are the account owner and are locked out, contact Timely Support.
I have a new phone
Your authenticator app may transfer automatically when your move your apps and data to your new phone. If it does not:
A Keep your old phone available until MFA is setup on the new phone, if possible.
B Sign in to Timely and go to Login and security.
C Reset the authenticator app method, then set it up again using your new phone.
D Delete the old Timely entry from your authenticator app after the new method is working.
I cannot access the email address linked to my Timely login
A Use your authenticator app if it is already set up.
B If you are still signed in, update your Timely login email address before resetting or setting up email verification.
C If you are locked out, ask your account owner or an administrator for help. Account owners who are locked out should contact Timely Support.
How an account owner or administrator can reset MFA for another user
A Go to Account Settings, then Staff access.
B Select the three dots beside the user who needs to reset their MFA.
C Select Reset MFA.
D Review the confirmation message, then select Reset again.
E The user will be logged out. If MFA is mandatory for them, they will need to set it up again when they next sign in.
Timely tip: Recovery codes are not available for MFA. We recommend setting up both an authenticator app and email verification so you have a backup method.
Other common access questions
Why am I being asked for a code again?
You will be asked to verify your identity:
- After logging out.
- When logging in on a new device.
- When 30 days have passed since you last verified.
- After resetting or changing your MFA settings.
Another staff member cannot access the verification code
MFA belongs to an individual Timely login. Each person who signs in with an email address and password needs their own login and MFA setup.
If several people share a login, the verification code will only be available through the authenticator app or inbox linked to that login. Create individual logins for staff, receptionists, bookkeepers and other administrators to prevent access problems.