Choose OTP Authenticator
- Sign in at Zoho Accounts.
- Open Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Under OTP Authenticator, choose Set up Now.
If the option is missing on a managed account, ask your administrator whether policy restricts it.
Add Zoho to Sign In
You can use Sign In, our authenticator app for codes on your iPhone.
- With the setup QR code on another screen, open Sign In and tap Add → Scan QR Code.
- Scan the code, review the account details, and tap Add Account.
- Select Next on Zoho, enter the current code from Sign In, and choose Verify.
Zoho displays a secret alongside its QR code. Use that secret for setup on the same iPhone. In Sign In, choose Add → Enter Setup Key, set Service to Zoho and Account to your account name, paste the secret into Key, then tap Add Account. Keep this key private.
Generate backup verification codes
Open Multi-Factor Authentication → MFA Recovery Options → Generate new codes. Copy or download the codes immediately: Zoho does not display the same set again.
Each code works once. Generating a new set invalidates unused older codes. Store the current set securely outside your phone. Your administrator may restrict this option.
Use a backup code when needed
At verification, choose Can’t access your device?; if you have several MFA methods, first choose Problem signing in?. Select Use backup verification codes, enter a saved code, and verify.
After recovery, reconfigure your MFA method. If no backup code is available, contact your administrator or Zoho Accounts Support.
Other verification methods
Zoho offers other methods subject to account policy. SMS is not available as a new MFA option for accounts registered after January 1, 2024, so do not assume you can use a phone number as a fallback.
If a code does not work
Make sure the Zoho entry in Sign In matches the account you are using. Wait for a fresh code, then enter it before it changes. If fresh codes keep failing, check that your iPhone uses automatic date and time.
Keep a working sign-in session and your recovery information available while resolving the problem. Adding an entry to Sign In does not finish enrollment: the service must accept a code and confirm activation.