2-Step Verification

2-Step Verification is a tool that provides an extra layer of security for your Square Account, protecting your account from unauthorised access. All you’ll need is a mobile device and an authentication app like Google Authenticator for iOS or Android, Microsoft Authenticator or Authy.

How It Works

With 2-Step Verification, you will be asked to enter a verification code in addition to your password each time you sign in. Once enabled for yourself, you can choose to require it for your team. By doing so, each team member associated with your Square account will need to enable their own verification methods.

When you receive the prompt to enter your verification code, you’ll be given the choice to “Remember this device for 30 days”. Select this option if you don’t want to be prompted to enter a verification code every time you sign in on that device. Every 30 days, you’ll be asked to sign in with a verification code. This option can be re-enabled again once the 30 days are up.

Note: Only select the option to “Remember this device for 30 days” from a computer or device that you own or control. Don’t set this option on public devices.

Set Up 2-Step Verification

Turning on 2-Step Verification will give you the option to use an authentication app for an added layer of security when logging in. To get started:

1. Sign in to Account & Settings > Personal Information in your online Square Dashboard.

2. Click Enable 2-Step Verification.

3. Download an authentication app like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or Authy.

4. Scan the barcode into your Authentication App.

5. Enter Verification Code generated in your Authentication App.

6. Click Verify.

Team Members and 2-Step Verification

In addition to enabling 2-Step Verification for yourself, you can toggle on the Require 2-step verification for team members setting to have team members enable 2-Step Verification for their own devices. Once enabled, the option to Disable 2-step verification for yourself will disappear unless you toggle the setting for team members off. 

When you enable the Require 2-step verification for team members setting, existing team members will receive an email with instructions on how to complete setup. If team members don’t turn on 2-Step Verification after reading the email, they’ll be required to do so the next time they log in to their Square account. New team members will automatically see 2-Step Verification setup when they create a new team member account.

If you choose not to enable 2-Step Verification, team members will still have the option to enable the feature on an individual basis. They can follow the same steps above to enable it via the online Square Dashboard at any time.

Additionally, if you choose to disable 2-step verification for team members after previously enabling it, 2-step verification will remain active for all team members who previously enrolled. Those team members will now see an option to Disable 2-step verification for themselves and will have to manually opt out if they so choose.

Note: This feature applies to all team members and can’t be made optional for a select few. Team members logging in for the first time will see the option to set up 2-Step Verification in all Square apps, but please note that once set up, 2-Step Verification will need to be managed from the online Square Dashboard.

If you’re running into trouble using 2-Step Verification, review these troubleshooting tips.

Edit or Disable 2-Step Verification

Account Owners and Full Access team members can change the 2-Step Verification settings of an account. To do so:

1. Sign in to Account & Settings > Personal Information in your online Square Dashboard.

2. Update your settings by adding a new phone number or an Authentication app, or click Disable 2-Step Verification to remove the feature entirely. Note: If you don’t see the option to disable, it means that the Require 2-step verification for team members setting is toggled on. To continue with disabling, toggle the setting off.

Keep in mind that only one authentication app at a time can be used for 2-Step Verification. For example, you’re unable to use both Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator for 2-Step Verification associated with one singular account.

Learn more about protecting your Square account information.