Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to the login process to enhance the protection of your Consumer Research account.
Note: 2FA is now required for all Brandwatch user accounts.
What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an enhanced security feature that requires you to use an additional method of identification to access an account, such as your Consumer Research account. In addition to your password, you’ll need to enter a code from an authenticator app on your phone when logging in. We require the use of two-factor authentication so your account has an additional level of security during the authentication process to protect your account and your data.
Note: 2FA authentication will not be required if your organization has set up single sign-on for your organization’s users.
Setting up 2FA for the first time
If you are a new Brandwatch user, you will set up your account's 2FA when creating your Brandwatch account. Please see our article on setting up your account for full account creation steps.
If you are an existing user and your account requires 2FA setup, you will be met with the 2FA setup screen during your next login into the platform.
Before you start
We recommend being aware of the following before you begin 2FA setup:
You will need an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator installed on your mobile device. Brandwatch supports any Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) authenticator app, including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, Duo Mobile, FreeOTP, Bitwarden, and Okta Verify.
Plan for several minutes of uninterrupted time to complete 2FA setup. 2FA authentication is time-sensitive because your authenticator app will generate codes that refresh after 30 seconds. You must input the correct code into Brandwatch before it refreshes, or you will need to restart setup from the beginning.
If you are currently sharing a Brandwatch login with multiple users, we highly recommend that you create individual Brandwatch user accounts for each member of your team. Shared logins are insecure and 2FA authentication is optimal when each user has their own account and verifies their 2FA with their own mobile device. Shared logins may also lead to issues with your organization’s channel connections in the long term.
2FA Setup Step 1: Downloading an authenticator app
Step 1 of the 2FA setup will direct you to download an authenticator app, e.g. Google authenticator, to your device, if you haven't already. Follow the links to download the app to your mobile device from either the Google Play store or Apple store.
2FA Setup Step 2: Scanning Brandwatch’s 2FA QR code
Step 2 of the 2FA setup will provide a QR code for you to scan using the authenticator app you installed on your device. This step will enable 2FA verification for your Brandwatch account.
Open the authenticator app on your phone and tap the + icon or equivalent to set up a new code. On Google authenticator, you'll select the + icon > Scan a QR code in the lower-right corner of the app.
When the camera function opens in your app, scan the QR code that Brandwatch provides you in step 2 of setup. (Please note that the below QR code is pixelated as an example; Brandwatch will provide you your own unique QR code to scan at setup.)
After scanning the QR code, the authenticator app will provide you a unique numerical code to enter into step 2 of Brandwatch's 2FA setup.
2FA Setup Step 3: Entering your authenticator code
Step 3 of the 2FA setup will prompt you to enter the code that your authenticator app now generates for Brandwatch.
Note: the code below is pixelated as an example; your authenticator app will provide you your own unique code to enter
Enter your unique numerical code into your Brandwatch 2FA setup (step 3) to proceed.
You will see a code for Brandwatch generate in your authenticator app:
Enter this code in step 3 of Brandwatch's 2FA setup:
Note: Authenticator apps provide security by generating time-based, one-time passcodes (TOTP) that refresh every 30 seconds. Please be sure to enter your passcode into Brandwatch before it refreshes. When your code is about to expire and refreshed with a new code, you will see it turn red in the authenticator app. (Please note that the code below is pixelated as an example; your authenticator app will provide you your own unique code to enter).
Warning: Please be aware that after five failed attempts of entering the authentication code, you will be temporarily suspended from completing 2FA for security reasons.
After you complete your 2FA setup, you'll see a confirmation message that you’ve your 2FA has been successfully enabled. Click Sign in to be logged in and redirected to your Brandwatch account.
Logging in with 2FA
After you've completed setup, you’ll be required to enter your 2FA authentication code from your mobile device each time you log into your Brandwatch account going forward.
There are three available login methods in Consumer Research:
Password
Social login (Google, Facebook, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn)
Single sign-on (SSO)
Visit our Logging into Brandwatch article for an explanation of each authentication method. When you enroll in two-factor authentication, it will be required as an additional authentication step when you log in with your password or social login.
Note: Two-factor authentication will not be required if your organization has set up single sign-on as your login method.
When you have successfully entered your Consumer Research username password, you will next be directed to a two-factor authentication screen to provide a code from your authentication app.
Open your authentication app on your device (whichever app you used to set up two-factor authentication). Enter the code the app generates and then click Continue. If the numbers are correct as per your authentication app, you will be redirected to your account.
Resetting your account's 2FA
You can reset your two-factor authentication via your profile details anytime you are logged into Consumer Research.
Note: Make sure you have installed and opened your authentication app, such as Google Authenticator, on your device.
From Consumer Research’s left-hand navigation sidebar, select the Manage profile icon > Profile details.
Note: If you have access to both Social Media Management and Consumer Research, you will see the option to go to your profile details for either.
From the Profile details menu, click Two-factor authentication.
Using the authentication app on your device, select the option to set up a new verification by scanning a QR code.
Scan the QR code displayed in Consumer Research. Your authentication app will provide a one-time code. In Consumer Research, enter the one-time code below the displayed QR code.
Click Verify to complete setup.
Once verified, Consumer Research will display a notification that your two-factor authentication is active.
Once you have successfully set up two-factor authentication, you will be required to provide a verification code from your authenticator app every time you log into Consumer Research.
FAQs and troubleshooting
Please see our dedicated Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Troubleshooting article for common issues and questions.