Setting up two-factor authentication

In order to use two-factor authentication to provide additional protection for your GMX mailbox, a multi-step setup process is required.

An authentication app is required to set up two-factor authentication. It generates a unique, temporarily valid security code each time you log in. If you do not yet have an authentication app installed on your smartphone, please visit Selection of apps for two-factor authentication for an overview of available free and paid apps plus links to additional information.

  1. Click Account at the top right.

    My Account

  2. On the left side, click Security Options.
  3. Under Two-factor authentication, click on Activate two-factor authentication.
    The setup assistant will open. First, carefully read what you will require for the configuration.
  4. Click on Start setup now.
  5. To begin the configuration of two-factor authentication, enter your password for your email address and click on Start now.
  6. Verify your mobile phone number. If you are ever unable to access your account, a verified mobile phone number will be required to reset the password. You have the following options:
    • If you have not yet saved a mobile phone number for your account, enter a new mobile phone number in the corresponding field.
    • If you have already saved a mobile phone number for your account, it will be shown. Check if this saved mobile phone number is still up to date. If the mobile phone number is no longer up to date, click on Change.
  7. Click on Request SMS.
    A confirmation code will be sent to you at the specified mobile phone number.
  8. Enter the confirmation code from the SMS and click on Continue.
    Info:

    If you have not received a confirmation code, you can repeat the process by clicking on Resend SMS. Check if the saved mobile phone number is still up to date.

    You have verified your mobile phone number.
  9. Set up your authentication app. An authentication app will be required to set up two-factor authentication. It generates a unique, temporarily valid security code each time you log in. You have the following options:
    • If you have not yet installed an authentication app on your smartphone, click on Still don't have an authentication app?
    • Use a preinstalled authentication app.
  10. Open your authentication app and set it up. You have the following options:
    • Scan the QR code using the authentication app.
    • Under the QR code, click on Copy code and manually paste the code.
    Info:

    You can find more information on manually entering the code under Problems with scanning the QR code.

  11. Enter the 6-digit authentication code shown in the app and click on Continue.
    You have set up the authentication app.
  12. For emergency access to your mailbox, you will receive a secret key, which you can download by clicking on Save your secret key.
    Info:

    Keep the PDF document with the secret key in a secure location. We recommend that you print out the document.

  13. Check your personal information and click on Next.
  14. Click on Activate now.
    Info:

    If you use the GMX Mail app, GMX MailCheck and/or access your mail via POP3/IMAP, you need to log in again once.

You have successfully activated two-factor authentication for your email address.
Info:

If you wish to use POP3/IMAP, you must (re)activate access in your email settings. You can find out more information in Activate or deactivate POP3 and IMAP.

To view these step-by-step instructions for setting up two-factor authentication, please see the following video:



Was this article helpful?