Set up and manage 2-step verification

When you set up 2-step verification you’ll be asked to choose a second verification method outside of simply entering a password. You have a few options to choose from:

• You can use your phone—only go this route if you will always have your phone on you when signing in.
  • Choose to download an authenticator app, receive a text, or receive a call to verify your identity from your mobile device.
• You can use a computer/desktop—go this route if you won’t have access to your phone when signing in, but you will have access to a desktop computer.
  • You’ll need to download an authenticator app onto your computer.

Verifying your account from your phone (or another personal mobile device)

We recommend using an authenticator app if you’re going to use your cell phone as your secondary verification method. 

• Reminder: only use your mobile device as your second verification method if you will always have your phone on you when signing in. 

Why should I use an authenticator app?

They don't require internet connectivity or SMS coverage once set up. On occasion, due to issues with the SMS network itself, SMS codes sent via text or phone call may be undeliverable to some customers.

Connect an authenticator app to Gusto (from your mobile device)—get the QR code

1. Start the 2-step verification setup in Gusto (see dropdown below). 
2. Download Google authenticator for iOS or Android and scan the QR code in Gusto.
   • You can use other authenticator apps, but the steps may not align.
3. Open the app and tap Begin Setup.
4. Tap Scan Code and point your camera at the QR code on the Gusto page.
5. Once the app generates the six-digit code, enter it in Gusto.
6. Click Remember this device if you want to skip 2-step verification next time—if you choose to remember the device, you'll still be prompted once every 30 days to enter the 2-step verification code on your device.
   • Only remember a device that you trust, like your personal computer or mobile phone—employees can view or forget trusted devices at a later time. Learn more in the applicable dropdown below.
7. Complete any remaining steps in Gusto.

Use your cell phone number to verify your account

If you’re unable to set up an authenticator app, you can still use your cell phone to receive verification codes. Once you’ve set up 2-step verification (see dropdown below) via text message or call, when you sign-in you can choose to receive the codes by:

• Text
  • Enter your phone number and we’ll text you a verification code each time you sign in. Standard SMS messaging rates apply.
• Phone call
  • Enter your phone number and click Call me with a code.

Verifying your account from a desktop computer—get the QR code

Follow the instructions below to set up 2-step verification on your desktop computer—you’ll need to download an authenticator app to do so.

1. Start the 2-step verification setup in Gusto (see dropdown below) and choose to use an authenticator app as your second verification method.
2. From your desktop computer, download the authenticator app Authy (or another authenticator app) and then open that app on your desktop.
   • If you download Authy: you may need to enter your phone number—this is solely for the initial registration process. You won’t need your phone to authenticate you any other time.
   • If you need help setting up Authy, check out their Help Center.
3. Copy the code below the QR image in Gusto.
4. Paste that code in your authenticator app.
5. In Gusto, click Remember this device if you want to skip 2-step verification next time—if you choose to remember the device, you'll still be prompted once every 30 days to enter the 2-step verification code on your device.
   • Only remember a device that you trust, like your personal computer or mobile phone—employees can view or forget trusted devices at a later time. Learn more in the applicable dropdown below.
6. Complete any remaining steps in Gusto and Authy (or other authenticators).

1. Sign in to your Gusto account.
2. Click your profile name that appears in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Account preferences.
4. Next to 2-step verification, click Activate for Stronger Security, or edit if you previously activated it and want to make changes.
5. Select how you want to receive your code—Gusto recommends using an authenticator app.
   • Learn how to download an authenticator app and all other options you have for verifying your account in the dropdowns below.
6. Click Continue.
7. Enter the test code from your device or app, and click Confirm.
8. Click Remember this device if you want to skip 2-step verification next time—if you choose to remember the device, you'll still be prompted once every 30 days to enter the 2-step verification code on your device.
   • Only remember a device that you trust, like your personal computer or mobile phone—employees can view or forget trusted devices at a later time. Learn more in the applicable dropdown below.
9. Let us know if you want to set up a photo ID backup by clicking Verify your photo ID—this option may not be available for everyone—learn more in the Verify your identity with a photo ID dropdown below.
   • By verifying your photo ID now, you will be able to use your photo ID to access your account if you are unable to access it in the future.
   • Click Skip for now if you don't want to do this.
10. Follow any remaining prompts to complete the setup.

From now on, you’ll need to enter the six-digit code sent or generated every time you sign in to Gusto.

If you have a new phone number or want to change your 2-step verification method to text or an authenticator app, follow the steps below.

1. Sign in to your Gusto account.
2. If you need help signing in, click the Troubleshoot 2-step verification issues dropdown below.
3. Click your profile name that appears in the upper-right corner.
4. Select Account Preferences.
5. Next to "2-step verification," click edit.
6. Verify your identity by signing in, then make your change.

1. Sign in to your Gusto account.
   • If you need help signing in, click the Troubleshoot 2-step verification issues dropdown below.
2. Click your profile name that appears in the upper-right corner.
3. Select My profile.
4. Next to "2-step verification," click Remove 2-Step Verification.
5. Verify your identify by entering your password.
6. Every time you sign into Gusto moving forward, you'll only be required to enter your email and password to access your account.

If you forgot your password or email, are using a new computer, or can't access your account for another reason not related to 2-step verification, check out this article for more troubleshooting steps.

You have a new phone number or device

New phone number or phone—NO access to your old number or device.

If you're an employee, you may be able to verify your identity with a government ID and selfie—see the Verify your identity with a photo ID dropdown below.

If that doesn't work, you'll need to call us and verify certain personal details before you can get access the account. Head to the "Still need help?" headline below to learn how and when you can get in touch with us.

New phone number or phone—still have access to old number or device

1. Sign in using the verification code sent to your old number/device.
2. Remove 2-step verification on the initial device
   • Instructions can be found in the Verification options by device type—how to set up, change, or remove 2-step verification—requires access to your Gusto account dropdown.
3. Set up 2-step verification for the new device or phone number—use the same dropdown as above to learn more. If you won't have your new phone on you at all times, it's worth considering using an authenticator app, and then downloading that app to your desktop computer (in addition to, or instead of your phone).

SMS text issues

If you're an employee, you may be able to verify your identity with a government ID and selfie—see the applicable dropdown below. 

Your device’s SMS inbox may be full. Delete some messages from your inbox and click on Text me with a new code to have a code resent. Keep in mind: all SMS text messages will be sent to the initially registered phone.

Try receiving your code via phone call by clicking on Call me with a new code.

Authenticator app issues

2-step verification code is not working

Check that the clock on your device is correct and set to the correct timezone. An incorrect clock can cause codes to be out of sync.

Need to send the codes to a new device (and you still have the old device)

1. Sign in to Gusto.
2. Remove 2-step verification—click the dropdown above.
3. Set up 2-step verification again using your new device.

You may also be able to verify your identity  with a government ID and selfie—click the dropdown below to learn how.

Still need help?

If you're still unable to receive the code and we weren't able to verify your identity with a photo ID, call us at (628) 246-1969 so we can assist. View our hours of operation here.

Verifying your identity is currently only available for some employees. If the option to verify your identity is not available, use the other troubleshooting steps in this article.

1. To get to the 2-step verification screen, enter your sign in credentials.
2. When the 2-step verification screen appears, click Need help with 2-step verification?.
3. Click Verify your identity.
4. Click Begin verifying.
5. Select the type of government ID you'd like to upload.
6. Click the camera icon to open your camera and take a photo of the ID. Select upload if the image is saved on your computer.
7. Check your photo to ensure the lighting is good and all lettering is clear.
   • Click retake photo if you need to take a new one.
8. Click Use this photo or Get started to take a selfie.
9. Click Got it.

If we're able to verify your ID, you'll be taken to your Gusto account.

Still unable to gain access to your Gusto account?

Call us at (628) 246-1969 so we can assist. View our hours of operation here.

If you're an admin on a Gusto account you can require all other admins to use 2-step verification when signing into their Gusto account. Follow the steps below to enable 2-step verification for admins.

1. Sign into your Gusto account.
2. Click the Settings section.
3. Click on Preferences tab.
4. Click edit next to 2-Step Verification for All Admins.
5. Select Enable 2-step verification.
6. Click Save.

Note: If you select 'remember this device' when logging in to your Gusto account while 2-step verification is enabled, you will be prompted once every 30 days to enter the 2-step verification code on your device.

Some companies require all admins that have access to the Gusto to have 2-step verification to be enabled. Follow the steps below to disable required 2-step verification for admins on your account.

1. Sign into your Gusto account using 2-step verification.
2. Navigate to the Settings section.
3. Click on the Preferences tab.
4. Click edit next to 2-Step Verification for All Admins.
5. Toggle to Disabled.
6. Click Save.