Setting up 2-factor authentication (2FA)

Overview

To keep client data secure, Rula requires Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all Provider Portal accounts.

With 2FA, you’ll log in using:

• Your password

• A unique 6-digit code generated by an authenticator app every 30 seconds

What’s an authenticator app?
It’s a free app that creates a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds. This code proves it’s really you logging in.

This means even if someone has your password, they cannot access your account without your device.

Before you begin

• You’ll be prompted to set up 2FA after creating (or resetting) your Provider Portal account.

• The easiest and recommended option is to use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

• If you cannot use a phone, you can set up 2FA on your computer using Google Chrome.

Starting from your portal setup page

After creating your account, you’ll see a step called Set up extra security.

1. Click Set up extra security to begin.

1. Enter your portal password, then click Get started.

2. Select your smartphone type: iPhone or Android.

3. Follow the instructions on this page while also following the steps below.

Option 1: Set up 2FA on your phone (recommended)

Step 1: Download Microsoft Authenticator

• On the setup screen, open your phone’s camera and point it at the QR code (the square black-and-white code on the page).

The first QR code you see is only for downloading the Microsoft Authenticator app. Once you’ve installed the app, click Continue setup in the portal to move to the next step.

• Tap the link that appears:

  • On iPhone → View in App Store

  • On Android → Go to Play Store

• Download Microsoft Authenticator.

• Once installed, tap Open, then tap Accept to agree to the terms

Note: We're now Rula! You may still hear Path in our videos from time to time and we appreciate your patience while we continue to update our content to align with our new name. Additionally, this video only applies to telehealth and not in-person appointments.

Iphone

Android

Step 2: Add your Rula account

1. In the Authenticator app, tap Skip.

2. Tap Add Account (or the + button).

3. Choose Other Account.

4. Allow camera access when prompted — this lets the app scan a QR code.

Iphone

Android

Step 3: Scan the QR code and enter the code

1. On the portal setup page, click Ready to scan QR code.

2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

The second QR code is the important one — this is the code you must scan from inside the Microsoft Authenticator app to link your account.

Do not use your iPhone or Android’s regular camera app. Always open the Authenticator app and use its scanner.

1. In the Authenticator app, point the in-app camera at the QR code on your computer screen.

2. Once scanned, you’ll see a new entry labeled Rula Portal with a 6-digit code underneath.

3. Type this 6-digit code into the setup page.

4. The code changes every 30 seconds — if the timer is almost out, wait for the next code before entering it.

Tip: You only need to scan the QR code once during setup. After that, you’ll just open the Authenticator app to get your login code.

Step 3 (alternative): Enter the code manually

If the QR code will not scan:

1. Look for the secret key listed under the QR code on the portal setup page.

2. In the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap + (Add Account) → Other Account (manual entry).

3. Enter:

   • Account name: Rula Portal

   • Secret key: paste or type the code from the portal

4. Save the account.

5. You’ll now see a 6-digit code appear in the app. Enter this into the portal setup page.

Step 4: Save your secret key

After authentication, you’ll see a secret key.

What is a secret key?

A unique string of letters, numbers, and symbols that links your account to your Authenticator app. The app uses this key, combined with the current time, to create the 6-digit login codes. If the secret key is missing, incorrect, or out of sync, the codes won’t match and login will fail

• Write it down or save it somewhere safe.

• This key is a backup if you lose or get a new phone or app.

• If you lose your phone or delete the app and don’t have the secret key, you’ll need a reset from Support. We reply within 2 business hours, but you’ll have to go through the full account setup again.

  • Learn more Resetting access to the Rula provider portal

Click Return to portal once saved.

iPhone

Android

Option 2: Set up 2FA on your computer (alternative)

If you don’t have a smartphone, you can set up 2FA on your computer using Google Chrome and an Authenticator extension (a small tool that adds extra features to Chrome).

Step 1: Install the Authenticator tool

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. In Chrome, go to authenticator.cc ›.

3. Click Add to Chrome.

4. When the Chrome Web Store opens, click Add to Chrome again.

5. Click Add Extension when prompted.

   • This tool is called a “Chrome extension” — a small add-on for your browser.

The Authenticator tool is now installed.

Step 2: Pin the tool to your toolbar

1. In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the puzzle icon (Extensions).

   

2. Find Authenticator in the list.

   

3. Click the pin icon so the Authenticator button always shows on your toolbar.
   

Step 3: Sync the tool

1. Click the Authenticator button on your toolbar.

2. Click the gear icon (Settings).

3. Select Sync Clock with Google, then click Allow if prompted.

4. When you see Success, click OK.

This makes sure the 6-digit codes are accurate.

Step 4: Go to the 2FA step in the Rula portal

In your Provider Portal setup:

1. Enter your email, temporary password, and NPI as instructed.

2. When you reach the Set up extra security step, click either I have an iPhone or I have an Android.

3. Then click I already have an authenticator app.

   • This lets you use the Chrome tool instead of downloading the phone app.

Step 5: Add the Rula account

Option A: Scan the QR code (recommended)

1. In Chrome, click the Authenticator button on your toolbar.

2. Click the scanner icon.

   

3. Use your mouse to draw a box around the QR code shown on the Rula portal setup page.

The second QR code is the important one — this is the code you must scan from inside the Microsoft Authenticator app to link your account.

1. The Rula Portal account will be added automatically.

2. Open the Authenticator tool again — you’ll see a 6-digit code. Click it to copy.

3. Paste the code into the Rula setup page, then click Authenticate my device.

Option B: Add account manually (if QR code won’t scan)

1. In the Rula portal setup page, look for the secret key listed under the QR code.

   • This is a long string of letters and numbers.

2. Copy the secret key.

3. In Chrome, click the Authenticator button.

4. Click the + (plus) icon to add an account manually.

5. Enter:

   • Account name: Rula Portal

   • Secret key: Paste the code you copied

6. Save the account.

7. A 6-digit code will now appear in the tool — copy it and paste it into the Rula setup page.

Step 6: Finish setup

Once authenticated, you’ll be asked to save your secret key (backup). Keep it in a safe place — it’s the only way to log in if you lose access to your computer.

After saving, click Return to portal. Your 2FA setup is complete.

After setup (desktop or phone)

• Every time you log in, you’ll enter your password and the 6-digit code from your authenticator app or tool.

• Codes change every 30 seconds — that’s normal.

• You only need to add the Rula account once during setup.

Common issues during setup

Providers sometimes run into these problems:

• Scanning with the wrong camera
  You must scan the QR code with the Authenticator app’s scanner, not your phone’s regular camera app.

• Code keeps failing
  Wait for the next 6-digit code before entering it. The code refreshes every 30 seconds. If you enter it as the timer runs out, the system won’t accept it.

• QR code won’t scan
  Use the manual entry option: copy the secret key shown under the second QR code in the portal setup page into the Authenticator app instead.

• Didn’t save secret key
  If you lose your phone or delete the app and don’t have the secret key, you’ll need a reset from Support. We reply within 2 business hours, but you’ll have to go through the full account setup again.

• Tried both phone and desktop at once
  Only set up 2FA on one device. Using both can cause login conflicts.

Troubleshooting

If setup still isn’t working, try these steps:

• No welcome email or expired link?
  Reach out to Support via chat to request a new link.

• Authenticator app not accepting your account?

  Sometimes the Microsoft Authenticator app won’t accept the Rula Portal account the first time you add it. If this happens:

  • Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.

  • Find the account labeled Rula Portal (or the one you just tried to add).

  • Tap and hold (iPhone) or tap the three-dot menu (Android) and choose Delete or Remove account.

  • Close the Authenticator app completely.

  • Go back to your Provider Portal setup page in your browser.

  • Click Ready to scan QR code again

  • In Microsoft Authenticator, tap + (Add Account) → Other account → scan the QR code or paste the secret key.

  • Enter the new 6-digit code shown in the app back into the Provider Portal setup page.

• Lost phone or deleted the app?
  Use your saved secret key to restore access in Microsoft Authenticator.

  • If you don’t have the key, you’ll need to Recover your account

• Authenticator code not working when logging in?

  • Check device time settings
    • Sometimes the Authenticator code fails if the time on your phone and your computer are not synced. Please make sure both devices are set to update time automatically.
    • On your computer (Windows PC):
      • Open the Start menu → Settings → Time & Language.
      • In the Date and Time section, turn on Set time automatically.
    • On your iPhone:
      • Go to Settings → General → Date & Time.
      • Turn on Set Automatically.
    • On your Android phone:
      • Go to Settings → Location → turn on Use location.
      • Then go back to Settings → System → Date & Time.
      • Turn on Automatic date and time.
  • Once both your phone and your computer are synced, try logging in again with a fresh code from the Authenticator app.

Updated May 18, 2026 16:21