SMS-based OTP
If you've set up SMS-based OTP as your multi-factor authentication (MFA) mode for your Zoho account, you will need to verify yourself during sign-in using a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
How to set up SMS-based OTP for MFA?
You can set up SMS-based OTP by configuring a mobile number as the MFA mobile number. You can either add a new number as the MFA mobile number or configure a number that is already added as a recovery number to your account.
However, if a recovery number is changed as MFA mobile number, then it cannot be used for account recovery anymore. You will have to add another recovery number.
Note: For users who registered after January 1, 2024, SMS-based OTP won't be provided as an MFA option. This is due to the susceptibilty of SMS-based OTP to various security threats like phishing, SS7 and SIM swapping attacks.
Steps to configure MFA number:
- Sign in at accounts.zoho.com.
- Click Multi-Factor Authentication in the left menu.
- Click Set up Now under SMS-based OTP.
- To set a new number as MFA number:
- Enter the mobile number, then click Next. An OTP will be sent to the entered mobile number.
- Enter the received OTP, then click Verify.
- To set an already added recovery number as MFA number:
- Click Choose from already added numbers.
- Select the required number from the list of added numbers.
- Click Add.
Info: Once you have configured an MFA mode for your account, make sure to generate backup verification codes. These codes will help you recover your account if you lose access to your mobile number and can't sign in.
How to set SMS-based OTP as primary MFA mode?
If you have configured multiple MFA modes for your account, you can set one of them as your primary MFA mode. When you try to sign in, your primary mode will be the default mode for authentication.
To set SMS-based OTP as the primary MFA mode:
- Sign in at accounts.zoho.com.
- Click Multi-Factor Authentication in the left menu.
- Click MAKE PRIMARY next to SMS-based OTP.
- Click Confirm.
How to sign in using SMS-based OTP?
If SMS-based OTP is your primary MFA mode, follow the steps to sign in:
- Go to the Zoho sign-in page.
- Enter your email address, then click NEXT.
- Enter your password, then click SIGN IN.
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number, then click VERIFY.
If you have set up multi-mode MFA with another MFA mode as your primary mode, see how to sign in using SMS-based OTP.
Note: If you are using a mail client, you may have issues signing in to it once you enable MFA (in most cases, "incorrect password" error will shown). This is because your mail client doesn't support MFA. In that case, you can use application-specific passwords to bypass MFA and sign in to your mail client.
How to recover account if mobile number is not accessible?
If you can't sign in to your account due to issues with your mobile number, then you can recover access to your account using your previously generated backup verification codes.
See how to use backup codes to recover your account. Once you get access, make sure to re-configure a different mobile number for SMS-based OTP or a different MFA mode.
If you haven't generated backup codes previously or lost them, then contact our support team at support@zohoaccounts.com. After verifying your identity, you will be provided with a backup code to sign in to your account.
Related articles
- How to use application passwords for mail clients
- How to disable/re-enable MFA
- MFA: Frequently asked questions
- MFA: Troubleshooting
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho CRM Training Programs
Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.
Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo
If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.
- Zoho Workerly Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
- Zoho Recruit Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
Zoho FSM Video Tutorials
Centralize Knowledge. Transform Learning.
All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.
New to Zoho Writer?
Create. Review. Publish.
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.
New to Zoho Survey?
Zoho Sheet Resources
Zoho Forms Resources
New to Zoho Sign?
Zoho Sign Resources
Sign, Paperless!
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
New to Zoho CPaaS?
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
New to Zoho Workerly?
New to Zoho Recruit?
New to Zoho CRM?
New to Zoho Projects?
New to Zoho Sprints?
New to Zoho Assist?
New to Bigin?
Related Articles
Introduction to multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication is used as an extra layer of security while signing in to your account. When you enable MFA, all your future sign-ins will require you to verify your identity to ensure that your account isn't accessed by unknown users. ...How do I change the MFA number?
Note: To change MFA number, you need to be signed in to your account. If you're locked out of your account: Contact your administrator to reset MFA in case you're an organization user. Contact support@zohoaccounts.com in case you're not part of any ...Multi-Mode MFA
Introduction Multi-mode MFA is an option wherein you can enable more than one MFA mode for your Zoho account. Zoho provides four modes to choose from: OneAuth, SMS-based OTP, app-based OTP (authenticator apps), and Security key. To enable multi-mode ...Sign in using OTP instead of password
Instead of entering a password, you can enter an OTP to sign in to your Zoho account. You can choose to send the OTP to either your primary email address or your primary mobile number. To sign in using OTP: Go to the Zoho Accounts sign-in page. Enter ...What should I do if I don't receive the OTP on my device?
This can happen if there is any issue with the network provider or with your handset. Try the following steps and resend the OTP to check if you have received it: Try enabling and disabling airplane mode. Make sure the OS and SMS applications are up ...
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources