Second factor for greater security

If you want to use a user name/e-mail address and password to log in, a second factor is also required for security reasons. For this purpose, the TOTP procedure (time-based one-time password) is used. If you have not yet set up the procedure, you will be guided through the setup process.

The TOTP procedure protects your data particularly effectively, as a currently generated code is requested in addition to your password. The code is generated via an authenticator app and is only valid for 30 seconds. This makes the password alone useless for malware that spies on data.

Tipp:Tip: Alternatively, you can also use "BundID" ("Federal ID") or Passkey to log in to your account. We recommend the "BundID" option for private individuals. This is particularly necessary if you want to change your address or bank details in your online account.

Setting up the second factor step by step

Download an authenticator app

For the TOTP procedure, you need an authenticator app or a password manager with TOTP support on your device. After scanning the QR code, the apps that can be used for TOTP will be displayed on your mobile device. If no app is displayed, it must be downloaded from your app store. Please ensure that you only download trustworthy apps. You can find trustworthy apps for two-factor authentication on the Internet, for example, by searching for "2FA app test".

Wichtig:Note: Please ensure that you only download trustworthy apps. You can find information about trustworthy apps for two-factor authentication on the internet, for example by searching for ‘2FA app test’. The Federal Employment Agency has not developed or certified any authenticator apps itself. All services provided by the Federal Employment Agency are free of charge.

Start setup

Firstly, log in to the portal with your usual user name/e-mail address and password. If you have not yet set up a second factor, you will be shown a page where you can select "Set up second factor" to set up the procedure.

Screenshot: Highlighted is the 2-factor method (TOTP)

Scan the QR code with your device

Scan the QR code shown with your authenticator app on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can enter the key under the QR code in your authenticator app.

Screenshot: Step 1, ‘Add key in app,’ is highlighted.

Enter code and finalise setup

Enter the 6-digit code from your app or authentification programme in the corresponding field in your account and confirm it. Only then will you have successfully activated the login option with a second factor (TOTP).

The authenticator app is now required every time you log in to your account with your user name/e-mail address and password. Please only delete the authenticator app when you no longer need the Federal Employment Agency account or only use "BundID" or Passkey to log in.

Screenshot: Step 2 Enter the TOTP code generated

Answers to frequently asked questions

If you have another login option such as "BundID" or Passkey, you can use this option to log in and set up TOTP yourself in your account settings.

If you have no other login option, you must contact our support. Our support will then guide you through the process. 

For security reasons, you cannot deactivate or delete the second factor yourself once it has been set up. You can set up a new second factor, for example when changing devices, in your account settings.

The following error scenarios could be present here:

  1. Typing error: The code does not match the code that was displayed in your authenticator/password manager app at that moment. Please check your entry. Enter the code without spaces as a sequence of 6 digits.
  2. Code expired: The authenticator/password manager app generates a new code every 30 seconds. As soon as a new code is available, the previous code is invalid. If necessary, wait until a new code is generated. You then have 30 seconds to enter and confirm it.
  3. Incorrect app entry: Only use the generated code in your authenticator/password manager app with the name “arbeitsagentur.de”. If you use your authenticator app for different online services, you may have been shown a different code.
     

If you have problems setting up the login option with a second factor (TOTP), you can contact our technical support.

Wichtig:Important: If you have any questions or problems with your authenticator app, please contact the respective provider. Unfortunately, the Federal Employment Agency cannot assist you with this.