Skip to main content

QR code authentication (Mobile app)

SecureAuth Connect QR code authentication lets users sign in by scanning a QR code displayed on the sign-in page with the SecureAuth Authenticate app on their paired mobile device. No code entry or approval tap is required — scanning the QR code completes authentication.

Use cases​

QR code authentication fits when you want a scan-and-go sign-in experience.

  • Shared workstations: Users walk up to a shared device, scan the QR code with their phone, and are signed in. No typing credentials on a shared keyboard.
  • Kiosk and retail: Employees authenticate on point-of-sale or kiosk devices by scanning a QR code, avoiding password entry in customer-facing environments.
  • Push fallback: QR code works even when push notifications are blocked or delayed, because the user initiates the scan rather than waiting for a notification to arrive.

QR code authentication is not the best fit when users do not have their mobile device readily available, or when the sign-in device does not have a screen capable of displaying a QR code.

How QR code authentication works​

  1. The user selects QR Code on the sign-in page.
  2. The sign-in page displays a QR code.
  3. The user opens the SecureAuth Authenticate app on their paired device and scans the QR code.
  4. Authentication completes and the user is signed in.

Prerequisites​

  • The user must install and pair the SecureAuth Authenticate app. See Pair your mobile device.
  • An administrator must enable QR Code at the workspace level.
How to pair your mobile device

Pairing your mobile device with SecureAuth Authenticate is a one-time setup. After pairing, your device is available for all mobile authentication methods your administrator has enabled.

Prerequisites: Download and install SecureAuth Authenticate from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

  1. Launch the User Portal and sign in.
  2. In the left navigation, click Devices.
  3. Click Pair New Device.
  4. Click Click to Reveal to display the pairing QR code.
  5. Open SecureAuth Authenticate on your mobile device and select QR Scan.
  6. Scan the QR code.
  7. Complete biometric authentication on your device and tap Next.
  8. Select a confirmation method, enter the confirmation code, and confirm the pairing.

After pairing, sign out and sign back in to verify the mobile authentication methods are available.

For detailed steps with screenshots, see Pair your mobile device.

Enable QR code as an authentication method​

  1. In your workspace, go to Authentication > Settings.
  2. Select the Methods tab.
  3. Select the QR Code check box.
  4. Click Save.

Add QR code to an identity pool​

  1. Go to Users > your identity pool > Sign-in and Sign-up.
  2. Under First-Factor Authentication Methods or Second-Factor Authentication Methods, click + Add method and choose QR Code.
  3. To set QR Code as the preferred method, click the three-dot menu and select Make Preferred.
  4. Click Save.

See also​