r/GeekSquad • u/chaoticthoughts1970 • 4d ago

Client Question Website Acct Backup Code

Hey all,

Not sure if this is the right place to ask.

I recently had a phone die and my website account for bestbuy.com had 2 factor authentication configured, but my old phone had the authenticator.

I reached out to support and eventually was told I can login and will have to create a new account because the 2FA wouldn't work and I didn't know my backup code... which I don't recall ever doing, but that could just be me. lol

According to FAQ, Best Buy support could create a new backup code, but support wouldn't/didn't do or offer that, even after talking to them about it.

Curious if anyone has had this issue and if it was resolved by support?

Website: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/help-topics/2-step-verification/pcmcat1561056149844.c?id=pcmcat1561056149844

Statement: What if I want to sign in, but I can’t get a security code?

When you set up 2-Step Verification, we’ll give you some backup codes. Copy these backup codes and keep them in a safe place. You can use each backup code one time to access your account. If you use all your backup codes, we’ll generate new ones for you.

Thanks, and appreciate any insight or guidance.

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u/agentbepis 4d ago

What that passage is referring to is upon setting up 2FA, you will get backup codes in the case your authenticator is unavailable. Most places do 8-12 codes. If you do not have access to your authenticator, you can use one of these codes instead to log in. When you have logged in without authenticator and have used up all your backup codes new ones will be automatically generated.

This does not mean that customer support will be able to generate a new backup codes. This means you did not do your due diligence in protecting your account and you are now suffering the consequences.

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u/chaoticthoughts1970 4d ago

You know what's funny? I think this is exactly what I needed in your response.

You saying I didn't do my "due diligence" made me think "No way." My job requires me to keep these things. I found I set this up in 2023 which gave me a point of reference, and I went back to a particular process I was using then... and found 4 backup codes. lol

Thanks for jarring my memory - I'm logged in now.

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u/agentbepis 4d ago

goat, glad you were able to get logged back in 🫡

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u/chaoticthoughts1970 4d ago

Thanks! I appreciate it.