How to add a backup MFA

Modified on Fri, 31 Jul at 3:38 PM

MFA is required every time you authorise a transaction or access your wallet on a new device. You don't need it to open the app or check your balance. But nothing moves without it — no transfers, no conversions, no withdrawals. Every wallet action requires your MFA method to confirm it's you.

This is by design. It means that even if someone gains access to your device, they cannot move your funds without also passing your MFA check.

What happens if you lose your only MFA method

MFA methods can become unavailable — for example, after losing your phone, resetting your device, or switching to a new one without restoring from backup. If that happens and you have no second method set up, you will not be able to authorise any transactions until access is restored.

Restoring access has no self-service path — it requires contacting our support team, and we make no commitments on timeline. This is the nature of a self-custodial wallet: no one, including Wirex, holds a copy of your credentials.

This is why it is important to have a backup method ready at all times. If your priority method ever becomes unavailable, your second method is there as an immediate fallback — no support contact or waiting needed.

Understanding your Passkey

If you set up a Passkey, there's one distinction worth understanding: your Passkey is not the same as your phone's biometric unlock — even though both might use Face ID or fingerprint. Passkeys can stop working after a device reset, a lost phone, or a new device setup — even when your phone's biometric itself is working fine.

You can find your registered confirmation methods in Wirex One under Profile → Security → Confirmation methods.

How do I know which method I have?

Open Wirex One.

Go to Profile → Security → Confirmation methods.

Your active method or methods are listed there. If you see only one, add a second.

How to set up a second method

The backup method must be different from the one you already have.

If you have a Passkey — add an Authenticator App

Make sure you have a third-party Authenticator App installed.

Open Wirex One → Profile → Security → Confirmation methods.

Select Authenticator App.

Scan the QR code shown in the app (or enter the code manually in the Authenticator App).

Enter the 6-digit code in Wirex One to confirm.

If you have an Authenticator App — add a Passkey

Open Wirex One → Profile → Security → Confirmation methods.

Select Passkey.

Follow the prompt on your device — it will use Face ID, fingerprint, or your device PIN.

Adding a second method takes under two minutes and ensures you stay in control of your funds even if your primary method becomes unavailable.

FAQ

Can Wirex reset my MFA if I lose access?

We can assist via our support team, but we make no commitments on timeline. To avoid this situation entirely, set up a second confirmation method now.

What if I get a new phone?

Switching phones is one of the most common scenarios where MFA access is lost — particularly if you set up your new device from scratch rather than restoring from a backup. Set up a second confirmation method before you switch, not after.

How do I know if I already have two methods?

Open Wirex One → Profile → Security → Confirmation methods. If you see only one method listed, add a second now.

Still have questions?

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