> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Enable 2FA on the Game Panel

> Learn how to set up and manage two-factor authentication (2FA) on the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel to add an extra layer of security to your account.

## Double-Lock Your Account

A password alone is not always enough. If someone guesses it, finds it in a data breach, or watches you type it over your shoulder, they are in. Two-factor authentication (2FA) fixes that by requiring a second piece of proof -- a time-based code from an app on your phone -- every time you log in. Even if your password is compromised, your account stays locked without that code.

The FREAKHOSTING Game Panel supports **TOTP-based two-factor authentication** (Time-based One-Time Password), which works with any standard authenticator app. Setting it up takes about two minutes and is one of the single best things you can do for your account security.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    2 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## What You Need Before Starting

Before enabling 2FA, make sure you have an authenticator app installed on your phone. Any TOTP-compatible app works. Here are the most popular options:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Google Authenticator" icon="shield-check">
    Free, simple, and available on iOS and Android. A solid default choice.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authy" icon="shield-check">
    Supports cloud backup and multi-device sync, so you do not lose your codes if you switch phones.
  </Card>

  <Card title="1Password / Bitwarden" icon="shield-check">
    If you already use a password manager, most of them can handle TOTP codes too -- keeping everything in one place.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

The **Two Factor Authentication** section is on the Account page at [games.freakhosting.com](https://games.freakhosting.com). When 2FA is not yet enabled, you will see a button to start the setup process.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Account Page">
    Log in to the Game Panel and click your **Account** link (with your avatar icon) in the **top-right corner** of the navigation bar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the Two Factor Authentication Section">
    Scroll down to the **Two Factor Authentication** section on the Account page. If 2FA is not currently enabled, you will see an option to enable it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Enable Two-Step">
    Click the button to begin the 2FA setup. The panel will generate a **QR code** and display it on screen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan the QR Code">
    Open your authenticator app on your phone and scan the QR code displayed on screen. Your app will add a new entry for the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel and immediately start generating 6-digit codes that refresh every 30 seconds.

    <Tip>
      If you cannot scan the QR code (for example, you are setting up 2FA on the same device), look for a **manual entry key** -- a text string you can type into your authenticator app instead. Copy it carefully, character by character.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the Verification Code">
    Type the **6-digit code** currently displayed in your authenticator app into the verification field on the panel. This confirms that your app is correctly synced with the panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm and Save">
    Submit the code. If it matches, two-factor authentication is now **active** on your account. You will see the section update to reflect its enabled status.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  **Save your recovery codes or backup the QR code.** If you lose access to your authenticator app (lost phone, factory reset, deleted app) without a backup, you will be locked out of your account and will need to contact FREAKHOSTING support for manual recovery. Screenshot the QR code or copy the manual entry key and store it somewhere safe.
</Warning>

***

## What the Panel Looks Like with 2FA Enabled

Once two-factor authentication is active, the **Two Factor Authentication** section on your Account page changes to show its enabled status:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Green Checkmark" icon="circle-check">
    A green checkmark icon appears next to the section, giving you an immediate visual confirmation that 2FA is active and protecting your account.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Status Message" icon="shield-check">
    The panel displays the message: **"Two-step verification is currently enabled on your account."** This confirms everything is set up and working.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

You will also see a red outlined **Disable Two-Step** button, which you can use if you ever need to turn 2FA off (more on that below).

***

## Logging In with 2FA Enabled

With two-factor authentication active, your login process adds one extra step:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter Your Email and Password">
    Go to [games.freakhosting.com](https://games.freakhosting.com) and enter your credentials as usual.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Your 2FA Code">
    After your password is accepted, the panel will prompt you for a **6-digit authentication code**. Open your authenticator app, find the FREAKHOSTING entry, and type the current code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access Granted">
    If the code is valid, you are logged in. The entire process adds maybe 10 seconds to your login -- a small price for significantly better security.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  TOTP codes refresh every 30 seconds. If a code is about to expire (the timer in your app is almost at zero), wait for the next one rather than rushing to type it in. Expired codes will be rejected.
</Info>

***

## Disabling Two-Factor Authentication

If you need to disable 2FA -- perhaps you are switching authenticator apps or troubleshooting a login issue -- you can do so from the Account page.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to the Account Page">
    Log in to the Game Panel and navigate to your **Account** page using the avatar link in the top-right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the Two Factor Authentication Section">
    Look for the green checkmark and the status message confirming 2FA is enabled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Disable Two-Step">
    Click the red outlined **Disable Two-Step** button. The panel may ask you to confirm with your current 2FA code or password.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the Action">
    Complete the confirmation. Two-factor authentication is now disabled, and your account will only require a password to log in.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Only disable 2FA if you have a specific reason. Your account is significantly more vulnerable with just a password. If you are switching authenticator apps, set up the new app **before** disabling 2FA on the old one, or re-enable it immediately after.
</Warning>

***

## Troubleshooting 2FA Issues

| Problem                                         | Solution                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| My authenticator codes are being rejected       | Check that the time on your phone is set to **automatic**. TOTP codes depend on accurate time sync -- even a minute of drift can cause rejections.                                                           |
| I lost my phone and cannot generate codes       | Contact FREAKHOSTING support with your account email and any verification details they request. Support can manually disable 2FA to restore access.                                                          |
| I switched phones and forgot to transfer my 2FA | If you use Authy or a password manager with cloud backup, install the app on your new phone and your codes will sync. If you used Google Authenticator without a transfer, you will need support assistance. |
| The QR code is not scanning                     | Make sure your camera is focused and the QR code is fully visible. Alternatively, look for a manual entry key and type it into your authenticator app directly.                                              |

***

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Which authenticator apps work with the Game Panel?">
    Any app that supports **TOTP** (Time-based One-Time Passwords) will work. This includes Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, 1Password, Bitwarden, and many others. The Game Panel uses standard TOTP, so there is no proprietary lock-in.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use SMS-based 2FA instead?">
    No. The Game Panel only supports TOTP-based two-factor authentication through an authenticator app. SMS-based 2FA is less secure (vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks) and is not offered as an option.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does 2FA affect API key access?">
    No. API keys authenticate separately and are not affected by two-factor authentication on your account login. However, you should still treat your API keys as sensitive credentials and restrict them by IP where possible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use the same authenticator entry for the billing panel?">
    No. The Game Panel and the billing panel are separate systems. If both support 2FA, they require separate authenticator entries. Each one has its own QR code and secret key.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if my authenticator app's time is out of sync?">
    TOTP codes are time-based, so if your device clock is off by more than about 30 seconds, codes will be rejected. Set your phone's clock to **automatic** (synced with your carrier or network time) and the issue should resolve immediately.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to level up your game servers? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** March 2026 | **Game Panel Support:** Two-factor authentication simplified.
</div>