How MFA works
When MFA is enabled, signing in requires two steps:- Something you know - Your email and password
- Something you have - A verification code sent to your phone
MFA methods in Forerunner
SMS verification
Forerunner uses SMS-based verification for team member accounts:1
Sign in with password
Enter your email and password on the sign-in page.
2
Receive code
A verification code is sent via SMS to your registered phone number.
3
Enter code
Type the 6-digit code into Forerunner.
4
Access granted
Once verified, you’re signed in to your account.
MFA via SMS requires a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages. If you have limited cell service, contact your CSM to discuss alternatives.
Setting up MFA
If your account requires MFA and you haven’t set up a phone number:1
Sign in
Enter your email and password as usual.
2
Add phone number
When prompted, enter your mobile phone number.
3
Verify phone
Receive a verification code via SMS and enter it to confirm your number.
4
Complete setup
Your phone is now registered for MFA. Future sign-ins will send codes to this number.
Managing your MFA phone number
Updating your phone number
To change the phone number used for MFA:1
Go to settings
Click Settings in the left sidebar to open My profile.
2
Find phone settings
Find the Mobile phone number field.
3
Verify current number
You may need to verify your identity with a code sent to your current number.
4
Enter new number
Provide your new phone number.
5
Verify new number
Enter the verification code sent to your new phone.
When MFA is required
Managers turn MFA on or off for the whole account in Settings > Account > Security:Account-wide MFA
When enabled for the account:- All team members must complete MFA setup
- MFA is required on every sign-in
- Phone numbers become mandatory profile fields
Other roles can see the MFA setting but can’t change it. Ask a Manager if you think it should change.
Troubleshooting
Not receiving verification code
Not receiving verification code
Try these steps:
- Wait 1-2 minutes for the code to arrive
- Check that your phone has cell service
- Verify the phone number on file is correct
- Request a new code by clicking “Resend code”
- Check if your phone blocks messages from short codes
- Contact your carrier to ensure SMS short codes aren’t blocked
- Contact your Manager or CSM for assistance
Code expired
Code expired
MFA codes expire after a short period (typically 5-10 minutes). Request a new code and enter it promptly.
Lost access to phone
Lost access to phone
If you no longer have access to your MFA phone number:
- On the code screen, click Locked out? Request to reset your Multi-Factor Authentication. This sends a reset request to a Manager or Forerunner support.
- Or ask a Manager to open your user in Settings > Users > Team and select Reset MFA.
- Set up a new phone number the next time you sign in.
Changed phone numbers
Changed phone numbers
If you have a new phone number:
- Sign in using your old number if still accessible
- Update your phone number in settings
- Verify the new number
- Contact your Manager for MFA reset assistance
Wrong phone number on file
Wrong phone number on file
If the wrong number was registered:
- Contact your Manager
- They can select Reset MFA on your user in Settings > Users > Team
- You’ll add the correct number the next time you sign in
MFA required but not set up
MFA required but not set up
If MFA is newly required for your account:
- You’ll be prompted to add a phone number at sign-in
- Enter your mobile phone number
- Verify with the code sent to your phone
- MFA is now configured for future sign-ins
Security considerations
Why MFA matters
MFA protects against common security threats:Best practices
Protect your phone- Keep your phone physically secure
- Use a screen lock (PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition)
- Don’t share verification codes with anyone
- Be cautious of unexpected MFA prompts
- Update your phone number immediately when it changes
- Notify your Manager if you lose your phone
- Don’t use temporary or shared phone numbers
- Question unexpected MFA prompts when you’re not signing in
- Report MFA codes you didn’t request to your Manager
- Never share codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from Forerunner
MFA for different user types
Internal team members
MFA for staff accounts:- Configured via SMS verification
- Phone number stored in user profile
- Required based on account settings
Public users
Public website users (residents):- Do not have MFA requirements
- Use password-based authentication only
- Protected by email confirmation
Forerunner administrators
Internal Forerunner team members may use additional MFA methods not covered here.Account-level MFA settings
Managers can change these in Settings > Account > Security:
Other roles can see these settings but can’t change them.
Disabling MFA
MFA can only be turned off for the whole account, by a Manager in Settings > Account > Security. Individual users can’t opt out when MFA is on. If you think MFA should be turned off for your account, talk to a Manager.MFA is a security best practice and is recommended for all accounts. Disabling MFA increases risk of unauthorized access.
Related topics
- Signing in - Access your Forerunner account
- Password management - Reset and change passwords
- Account settings - Update your profile including phone number
- Data security - Learn about Forerunner’s security measures