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Backup Codes

Backup codes are one-time use codes that let you access your account when you can't use your authenticator app.

What Are Backup Codes?​

Backup codes are:

  • 10 unique codes generated when you enable 2FA
  • Each code can only be used once
  • Your safety net when your phone is lost, broken, or unavailable
  • Independent of your authenticator app

When to Use Backup Codes​

Use a backup code when:

  • Your phone is lost or stolen
  • Your phone is dead and you can't charge it
  • You're traveling without your usual device
  • Your authenticator app was deleted
  • You got a new phone and forgot to transfer 2FA

Viewing Your Backup Codes​

Backup codes are shown only once — when you first enable 2FA, and again each time you regenerate them. For security, Sealmetrics does not let you re-view an existing set later.

In My Account → Security, the Two-Factor Authentication section shows how many codes you have left (for example, "8 of 10 codes remaining"), but it does not list the codes themselves or which specific codes were used.

Two-Factor Authentication
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Backup Codes
8 of 10 codes remaining

[Regenerate Codes]

If you can't find the codes you saved, generate a new set with Regenerate Codes (see below).

Using a Backup Code​

At Login​

  1. Enter your email and password
  2. On the 2FA screen, click Use a backup code instead
  3. Enter one of your backup codes
  4. Click Verify
Use Backup Code
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Can't access your authenticator?
Use one of your backup codes to sign in.

Enter backup code:
[mno90-pqr12        ]

[Verify]

← Back to authenticator code

After Using a Code​

Once a backup code is used, it can't be used again. The remaining-codes count in My Account → Security decreases accordingly. When you're running low, regenerate a fresh set so you always have codes available.

Regenerating Codes​

Generate new codes when:

  • You've used several codes
  • You think codes may be compromised
  • You want fresh codes for peace of mind

How to Regenerate​

  1. Go to My Account → Security
  2. In Two-Factor Authentication, click Regenerate Codes
  3. Enter your current 6-digit 2FA code
  4. Save the new codes
Regenerate Backup Codes
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⚠️ This will invalidate ALL existing codes,
   including unused ones.

Current unused codes: 7
These will stop working.

Enter your 2FA code to confirm:
[______]

[Cancel] [Regenerate]

After Regenerating​

New Backup Codes Generated
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Your previous codes have been invalidated.
Save these new codes securely.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  new11-code22                           │
│  abc33-def44                            │
│  ghi55-jkl66                            │
│  mno77-pqr88                            │
│  stu99-vwx00                            │
│  yza11-bcd22                            │
│  efg33-hij44                            │
│  klm55-nop66                            │
│  qrs77-tuv88                            │
│  wxy99-zab00                            │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

[Download] [Copy] [I've Saved Them]

Storing Backup Codes Safely​

Good Storage Options​

MethodProsCons
Password managerEncrypted, accessibleSingle point of failure
Physical printout in safeOffline, secureCan be lost/destroyed
Encrypted USB drivePortable, secureCan be lost
Bank safe deposit boxVery secureInconvenient access

Storage Best Practices​

  1. Never store in plaintext on your computer
  2. Keep separate from your password
  3. Store in multiple locations (e.g., password manager + printed backup)
  4. Don't take photos on your phone (could sync to cloud)
  5. Label clearly so you know what they're for

What NOT to Do​

  • ❌ Email codes to yourself
  • ❌ Store in notes app without encryption
  • ❌ Keep only one copy
  • ❌ Store in same place as password
  • ❌ Share with others

Running Low on Codes​

There's no automatic alert when you're down to your last few codes. Check the remaining count in My Account → Security periodically, and regenerate a new set before you run out so you always have a way back into your account.

Troubleshooting​

"Invalid Backup Code" Error​

  1. Check for typos (especially 0 vs O, 1 vs l)
  2. Ensure you haven't already used this code
  3. Verify codes haven't been regenerated since you saved them
  4. Try a different code

All Codes Used​

If you've used all 10 codes:

  • You must have access to your authenticator to generate new codes
  • If you can't access your authenticator, contact support

Lost All Codes and Authenticator​

Contact support for account recovery:

  1. Email security@sealmetrics.com
  2. Subject: "2FA Account Recovery"
  3. Include:
    • Your account email
    • Proof of identity
    • Recent account activity you remember
  4. Recovery takes 2-5 business days
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