Business Manager now adds a second step to sign in, called two-factor authentication (2FA). After you enter your email and password, you receive a 6-digit code by text message on the phone number saved to your account. Enter that code to finish logging in. This is a security upgrade so that even if someone learns your password, they cannot sign in without also having your phone.
If your business shares a single login across multiple people, you can use an email link instead of an SMS code. Reach out to Cents Support to have your business set up for email link 2FA.
Before you start make sure:
Your phone number is up to date in Business Manager. Sign in as usual, go to your account settings, and confirm the number listed is the one you actually receive texts on.
You have your phone with you when you sign in.
Your phone can receive SMS messages (US numbers work best; check with Cents Support if you use an international number).
If you cannot receive text messages on the phone number on file, contact Cents Support before you get locked out. We can either update the number or enable email link 2FA for your business.
How to sign into Business Manager with 2FA
Go to Business Manager and enter your email and password like usual.
Business Manager sends a 6-digit code by text to the phone number on your account. It usually arrives in a few seconds.
Enter the 6-digit code on the login screen.
You are signed in.
If your business is set up for email link 2FA, step 2 is different. Instead of a text, you receive an email with a magic link. Open the email on the same device you are signing in from and tap the link. You are signed in.
Gotchas and troubleshooting
I did not get the text with the code
Wait 30 to 60 seconds. Texts can be slightly delayed. If it still has not arrived, request a new code from the login screen. If that also does not work, the phone number on file may be wrong or you may not be able to receive US SMS. Contact Cents Support.
The code says it is expired or invalid
Codes are single-use and expire quickly. Request a new one and enter it right away. Make sure you are entering the most recent code you received, not an older one.
My phone number on file is wrong or old
Sign in as usual (if you can), update the number in your Business Manager account settings, and try again with the new number. If you are locked out and cannot sign in to update it, contact Cents Support and we will update the number for you.
Our business uses one shared login across the whole team
Ask Cents Support to enable email link 2FA for your business. Once turned on, instead of a text, everyone gets an emailed magic link to the shared inbox to complete sign-in. This is enabled per business, not per person.
I do not have a phone number on my Cents account at all
For now, you can still sign in without 2FA. Add a phone number to your account as soon as possible so 2FA can protect your login going forward.
I entered the code but it is not letting me in
Confirm you are entering the code, not the message it was pasted next to. Some phones auto-suggest the code from a text; tap the suggestion to auto-fill it if that is easier than typing.
FAQ
Do I have to use 2FA?
Once 2FA is enabled on your account, yes. It is a security requirement on Business Manager and cannot be turned off from your side. This protects your customer data, financial records, and business settings.
How is the phone number chosen?
Business Manager sends the code to the phone number saved on your operator account. You can see and update that number in your account settings.
Can I change my 2FA phone number myself?
Yes. Update the phone number in Business Manager account settings, or ask Cents Support to update it for you.
What if I share a login with multiple people?
Ask Cents Support to enable email link 2FA. Once turned on, sign-in uses an emailed link to the shared inbox instead of an SMS code. This is set at the business level, not per user.
Does 2FA cost anything?
No. 2FA is included as part of Business Manager. Standard SMS rates from your phone carrier may apply for receiving the code.
Does 2FA apply to the Cents Employee App on the tablet?
2FA is for Business Manager sign-in. If we expand it to other apps, we will update this article. For now, keep signing into your Cents tablet as normal.
Can I use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy?
Not right now. Business Manager supports SMS 2FA and email link 2FA. Authenticator apps are not supported yet.
Need assistance?
Feel free to text our Cents Support team at 888-302-8809