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Step #3: Set up a backup authentication method for the LastPass Authenticator app

    To finalize the setup process for the LastPass Authenticator app, set up a backup authentication method so it can be used in case you are unable to authenticate using your primary method (e.g., push notification).

    Below, you can choose from entering a phone number for SMS passcode (text message) or phone call, or setting up YubiKey for codes generated via hardware token.

    Restriction: If you have a LastPass Teams or LastPass Business account, the ability to perform these actions may be limited or prohibited due to policies enabled by your LastPass admin.

    Set up a phone number (text or call) as a backup

    Enter a phone number for sending security codes via text message (SMS passcode) or receiving a phone call (Call Me feature) as your backup method.

    Attention: The phone number you enter in the instructions below is not the phone number used for SMS account recovery. The phone number for SMS account recovery is entered in the General tab of your Account Settings, and is used for recovering your master password in case it is ever forgotten.
    About this task: To set up a phone number as your backup authentication method, do the following:
    1. During the enrollment process, in the Backup section, select Set up text message.
    2. Enter your phone number (starting with country code), then select Next.

      Result: A text message is sent to your phone with a 6-digit code.

    3. Enter the 6-digit code sent to your phone, then select Finish text setup.
      Verify phone number with code
    4. Select Activate.
      Activate MFA text/call backup
    5. Select OK > OK.
    6. Close the Account Settings window.

      Result: You have successfully set a phone number for using text message/call as your backup authentication method.

    7. Log out of LastPass.
    Results: Setup for the LastPass Authenticator app is complete! You have successfully set up the LastPass Authenticator app as your multifactor option, and set up a phone number as your backup authentication method.

    Set up YubiKey as a backup

    Set up YubiKey to enter a code generated by your YubiKey hardware token as a backup authentication method for the LastPass Authenticator app.

    Notice: The instructions below are for setting up YubiKey as a backup authentication method for the LastPass Authenticator app. If you want to set up YubiKey as your primary multifactor authentication option, view Enable YubiKey in LastPass
    About this task: To set up YubiKey as your backup authentication method, do the following:
    1. During the enrollment process, in the Backup section, select Set up YubiKey.
    2. Insert your YubiKey into the USB port.
    3. When the YubiKey's touch sensor shines a steady light, hold your fingertip on the touch sensor.

      Result: A code is generated and entered into the field automatically.

    4. Select Finish YubiKey setup.
      Set up YubiKey for the LastPass Authenticator
    5. Select Activate.
      Finish setup process with YubiKey backup
    6. Select OK > OK.
    7. Close the Account Settings window.

      Result: You have successfully set up YubiKey as your backup authentication method.

    8. Log out of LastPass.
    Results: You have successfully set up the LastPass Authenticator app as your multifactor option, and also set up YubiKey as your backup authentication method.
    Parent article: Set up LastPass to use the LastPass Authenticator app
    Previous article: Step #2: Enroll the LastPass Authenticator app