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Setting up your account with two-factor-authentication

‘How can I sign up if, after signing up, I’m asked to Set Up Two-factor Authentication for ChurchDesk?’


  • What is Two-factor Authentication? From now on, you’ll need two things to sign up: your password and a short code from an app. Even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to access your account without this code.
  • You only need to set this up once. It takes about 10 minutes.
  • What you’ll need: Your login details, access to your email inbox and your smartphone.


Why is this necessary?

Your parishes handle personal information belonging to many people. These people rely on their information being kept safe. Two-factor authentication helps you to protect that trust.
The principle is very simple: in addition to your password, there is a second key – and only you have it: your smartphone. A password on its own can be lost or fall into the wrong hands. Your smartphone, on the other hand, is always with you.
That’s why, from now on, you’ll need two things to sign up: your password and a short code from an app on your smartphone.


Don’t worry: setting it up is easier than it might sound. These instructions will guide you through the process step by step.


Who has enabled this?

Two-factor authentication may have been enabled in various places:

  • by the administrator of your organisation (e.g. your parish) or
  • by your diocese, or another higher-level authority, such as your Deanery.

**It can only be disabled at the level at which it was enabled. ** For example, if your diocese requires two-factor authentication, your parish cannot disable it. If you have any questions about this, please contact the body that introduced it.



First things first: Install a code app


A code app (also known as an ‘authenticator app’) generates the codes for you. Choose one of these free apps:


  • Google Authenticator (iPhone and Android)
  • Microsoft Authenticator (iPhone and Android)
  • Authy (iPhone and Android)
  • iPhone or Mac: You can use the pre-installed Passwords app. You do not need to install anything.


To install an app: Open the App Store (iPhone) or the Google Play Store (Android), search for the app’s name and tap Install (or Download).


Already using a paid password manager? Many of these can also generate these codes.


Step 1: Log in as usual


Open ChurchDesk, enter your Email address and password, and click Log in.



Step 2: Confirm your email address


ChurchDesk will send a 6-digit code to your email address. This is to confirm that the email address really belongs to you.


Important: Do not close the ChurchDesk window! Leave it open, switch to your emails and look for the code there.


  1. Open your email inbox and look for the message of ChurchDesk.
  2. Return to the ChurchDesk window and enter the code.
  3. Click Confirm.


The email may take up to 5 minutes to arrive. Please also check your spam folder. Haven’t received an email? Then you can request a new code.



Step 3: Connect the code app


ChurchDesk will now display a QR code (a black-and-white square) and a long key (a string of letters and numbers). Choose one of the two methods:


Method A – Scan the QR code (easiest if ChurchDesk is open on your computer)


  1. Open the code app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap + to add an account, then select the option to scan a QR code.
  3. Point your smartphone’s camera at the square on your screen.


Method B – Copy the long key (easiest if ChurchDesk is open on the same smartphone as your code app)


  1. Copy the long key displayed in ChurchDesk.
  2. Open your code app and tap +.
  3. Select the option to enter a key manually and paste the key.



Step 4: Enter the code from the app


Your code app will now display ChurchDesk along with a 6-digit number. Enter this number into ChurchDesk.


The number changes every 30 seconds. If it changes whilst you’re typing, simply use the new one.



Step 5: Done!


From now on, log in as follows every time:


  1. Enter your Email address and password.
  2. Open your code app.
  3. Enter the number displayed there of ChurchDesk.


This applies to both the website and the ChurchDesk app.



Frequently Asked Questions


  • Isn’t a strong password enough? No. Even strong passwords can be leaked, for example through phishing emails or hacker attacks on other websites. Two-factor authentication ensures that a leaked password alone is not enough.
  • Does the app cost anything? No. The authenticator apps mentioned are free.
  • Can several people share one account and one app? No. Each person needs their own account and their own two-factor authentication setup.


  • “Which code should I use?” You only need the code from the email once, during set-up. After that, always use the number from your code app.
  • “The code isn’t being accepted.”
    • Wait for the next number and try again. Also check that the date and time on your smartphone and your computer are set to automatic and are therefore synchronised.
    • Use the code associated with ChurchDesk, not the one from your diocese or regional church.
    • Has your code been reset by an organisation administrator? If so, a new code will be displayed the next time you log in. The old key is invalid and will only generate invalid codes. You must therefore delete the old ChurchDesk entry from your code app and set up the new one.


  • New smartphone? Some code apps can transfer your codes to a new device. If your app cannot do this, please contact your organisation administrator.
  • Lost your smartphone? Please contact your organisation administrator. They can reset MFA so that you can set it up again.


Updated on: 14/10/2026

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