Knowledgebase

How to Switch from Email 2FA to Time-Based (App) 2FA

How to Switch from Email 2FA to Time-Based (App) 2FA

At UK Cheapest, we recommend using Time-Based Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for improved security and reliability. While email-based 2FA works well for many users, time-based 2FA (using an app like Google Authenticator or Authy) is generally faster and does not rely on email delivery.

This guide explains how to switch your account from Email 2FA to Time-Based Token 2FA in your Client Area.

Step 1: Log In to Your Client Area

Visit the Client Area at:
https://billing.uk-cheapest.co.uk/clientarea.php
Log in using your usual account credentials.

Step 2: Open Your Security Settings

  • Click on your profile name or icon in the top-right corner of the screen
  • Select “Security Settings” from the dropdown menu

This page displays your current 2FA setup.

Step 3: Disable Email-Based 2FA

If you currently use email-based 2FA:

  1. Click “Disable Two-Factor Authentication”
  2. You may be prompted to enter a code sent to your registered email address
  3. Once confirmed, 2FA will be disabled for your account

Step 4: Enable Time-Based 2FA

Once 2FA is disabled, you can immediately set up a new method:

  1. Click “Enable Two-Factor Authentication”
  2. Choose the option for Time-Based Tokens
  3. Click “Continue”

Step 5: Scan the QR Code Using Your 2FA App

  1. Open your 2FA app of choice (such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator)
  2. Tap the option to add a new account
  3. Use your device’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on the screen
  4. Your app will now generate a 6-digit security code that changes every 30 seconds

Step 6: Confirm and Activate

  1. Enter the current 6-digit code from your 2FA app into the field in your Client Area
  2. Click “Activate” or “Confirm”

Your account is now protected with time-based 2FA.

Need to Switch Devices or Reset 2FA?

If you lose access to your 2FA app or change devices, you may need to disable and re-enable 2FA. If you’re unable to log in, contact our support team and we can help reset your 2FA settings.

Still Prefer Email-Based 2FA?

You can re-enable email authentication at any time by repeating the steps above and selecting Email instead of Time-Based Tokens during the setup process.

Get Support

If you have any questions or experience any issues during setup, please submit a support ticket and our team will be happy to help.

How do i connect my domain to Google Apps Email

Before connecting your domain to your Google Apps Email account you will need to determine if your domain name is parked or hosted. If your domain name is parked you will need to make the changes in your Domain Control panel – if your nameservers are NOT set to ns.microlite1.com and ns2.microlite1.com and you have hosting with us you will need to make the changes inside your Plesk control panel. If you have lost your Domain / Plesk control panel login details please go to Forgotten password to retrieve all of your login details by email.

To make DNS changes inside your Domain control panel select the domain and go to DNS Manager, please be sure to delete any existing MX records before adding the new ones. When adding the Google MX records please set the hostname for each MX record to @

To make DNS changes inside your Plesk control panel, select the domain and go to DNS Settings, please ensure that you delete any existing MX records before adding the Google MX records. When adding the records please leave the ‘mail domain’ field blank.

You are now ready to add the following MX records:

ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. 1

ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. 5

ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. 5

ASPMX2.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. 10

ASPMX3.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. 10

The records are listed in priority order (smallest priority value 1 = highest priority), if you cannot add the priority values listed then you will need to add the records in the listed order.

If you experience any problems please submit a ticket to our Help Desk.