Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your Blue J account by requiring a verification code from your device when you log in.
This guide walks you through how to set it up and what to do if something doesn’t work.
Before you begin
To set up MFA, you'll need:
- A smartphone
- An authenticator app (such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator)
These apps generate a 6-digit verification code used to log in.
Important:
- You do not need to sign in to a Microsoft or Google account in the authenticator app.
- If prompted to sign in, you can skip that step.
Set up MFA
1. Download an authenticator app
Install one of the following on your phone:
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Google Authenticator
2. Log in to Blue J
Enter your email and password.
If MFA is required:
- You'll be prompted to set it up.
- A QR code will appear on your screen.
Don't see a QR code?
Your MFA may need to be reset. Contact support@bluej.com.
3. Scan the QR code
- Open your authenticator app.
- Use the app's built-in scanner (not your phone's camera).
- Scan the QR code on your screen.
4. Enter the verification code
- Your authenticator app will generate a 6-digit verification code.
- Enter the current code to complete setup.
Once setup is complete, you'll use a new code from the authenticator app each time you log in.
Log in with MFA
Each time you log in:
- Enter your email and password.
- Open your authenticator app.
- Enter the current 6-digit verification code.
Important: Only have one Blue J tab open when logging in. Multiple tabs can cause the verification code to fail.
Quick fixes
If something isn't working, try one of these solutions first:
- No QR code? Contact Support to reset MFA.
- Code not working? Close extra Blue J tabs and try a new verification code.
- QR code stays on the screen after entering a code? Check your device's date and time settings (see below).
Troubleshooting
QR code does not appear
Your MFA may need to be reset.
Please contact support@bluej.com, then log in again after the reset to complete setup.
QR code won't scan
Try the following:
- Use the scanner inside your authenticator app (not your phone's camera).
- Adjust your screen brightness or move your phone closer or farther away from the screen.
The QR code remains on the screen after entering a verification code
If you scan the QR code and enter a verification code, but the QR code remains on the screen instead of completing setup, your device's date and time settings may be out of sync.
Authenticator apps rely on your device's clock to generate valid verification codes. If your device's time is incorrect, MFA setup may not complete successfully.
Android
- Open Settings → System → Date & Time
- Turn Set time automatically off and back on (or enable it if it's disabled)
- Turn on Use network-provided time zone
- Restart your device
iPhone
- Open Settings → General → Date & Time
- Turn Set Automatically off and back on (or enable it if it's disabled)
- Restart your device
After restarting your device:
- Return to Blue J.
- Scan the QR code again.
- Enter the new verification code generated by your authenticator app.
If you're still unable to complete setup, contact support@bluej.com.
Code is not working
Try the following:
- Make sure you're entering the current verification code (codes refresh approximately every 30 seconds).
- Wait for a new code and try again.
- Ensure only one Blue J tab is open.
Not receiving a passcode?
Blue J does not send verification codes by email or text message.
Instead, verification codes are generated by an authenticator app on your phone.
What to do
- Open your authenticator app to find your current 6-digit code.
- Enter that code when prompted.
If you haven't set up MFA yet:
- You should see a QR code after logging in.
- Follow the setup steps above to connect your authenticator app.
If you don't see a QR code, contact support@bluej.com.
Need to change or reset MFA on your device?
If you're switching devices—for example, moving from a personal phone to a work phone—or you've lost access to your authenticator app, you'll need to reset your MFA setup.
Blue J does not currently allow users to change or remove their MFA device themselves.
What to do
Contact support@bluej.com and request an MFA reset.
Once your MFA has been reset:
- Log in to Blue J.
- Complete the MFA setup again.
- Scan the QR code using your new device.
Common issues
Common causes of MFA setup problems include:
- Signing into a Microsoft or Google account within the authenticator app
- Using your phone's camera instead of the authenticator app's scanner
- Expecting a verification code by email or text message
- Having multiple Blue J tabs open while logging in
- Deleting your authenticator app before resetting MFA
- Incorrect date or time settings on your mobile device
Tips for a smooth setup
- Keep your phone nearby when logging in.
- Enter verification codes before they expire.
- Ensure your phone's date and time are set automatically.
Key takeaway
MFA helps protect your Blue J account and is required for some users.
Most setup issues can be resolved by:
- Using an authenticator app (not email or text messages)
- Keeping only one Blue J tab open
- Ensuring your phone's date and time are set automatically
- Contacting support@bluej.com if your MFA needs to be reset
Step-by-step video guides
If you prefer to follow along visually, use the guides below:
- Set up MFA using Microsoft Authenticator
- Set up MFA using Google Authenticator
- Remove an old Blue J entry from Microsoft Authenticator
- Remove an old Blue J entry from Google Authenticator
Still need help?
Contact support@bluej.com and include:
- A screenshot of what you’re seeing
- The device and browser you’re using