Backup codes are your safety net. If your phone is lost, stolen, broken or simply not with you, a backup code gets you into your Preno account without needing to contact anyone.
Preno gives you 10 backup codes when you set up multi-factor authentication. Each one works once.
Where to get them
Your codes are shown immediately after you set up your authenticator app. If you've already done that and didn't save them, you can generate a fresh set at any time:
Click your username at the top right, then go to Profile.
Find the Account security > Backup codes section — the same place you set up your authenticator.
Click Regenerate to regenerate new backup codes.
You will need to enter your authenticator code/verify your passkey to regenerate the new backup codes.
Save the new set straight away.
Regenerating replaces your old codes. Any codes from a previous set stop working, so make sure you save the new ones and get rid of the old list.
Where to keep them
Somewhere you can reach when you don't have your phone. Good options:
In a password manager
Printed and locked in the safe or the office drawer where you keep other business documents
Saved in a secure file on your work computer
Don't save them only on the phone that has your authenticator app. If you lose that phone, you lose both at once — which defeats the purpose. Keep them somewhere separate.
Treat the list like a spare key to your business. Anyone who has both your password and one of these codes can sign in as you, so don't leave it on a sticky note at reception or in a shared inbox.
Using a backup code to sign in
Sign in with your username and password as normal.
When Preno asks for your six-digit authenticator code, choose the option to use a backup code instead.
Enter one of your unused codes.
Cross that code off your list — it won't work a second time.
If you run out
If you've used all 10 codes and you still have your authenticator app, just sign in as normal and regenerate a new set using the steps above.
If you've run out of codes and lost your phone, you're not stuck — see this article Can't sign in? Lost phone or authenticator
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