Below is a generic, site‑agnostic step‑by‑step guide for using 1Password as your 2‑factor authentication (2FA) method for any website that supports authenticator apps.
It is written for PC‑only use and works especially well for people who cannot use a phone for 2FA (ALS, limited mobility, vision, strength, or coordination).

PC‑Only 2FA with 1Password

Generic Instructions for Any Website

These steps let you use 1Password on your computer instead of:

• A phone
• SMS codes
• Authenticator apps
• Phone mirroring tools

Once set up, 2FA happens entirely on your PC.

What You Need

Before you begin, make sure:

• ✅ You already use 1Password
• ✅ You are on a Windows or macOS computer
• ✅ You can sign in to the website one time using its current login method
• ✅ The website supports Authenticator App / Time‑based One‑Time Passwords (TOTP)

❌ You do not need:

• A smartphone
• Google Authenticator / Microsoft Authenticator
• SMS access after setup

Important First Principle (applies to all sites)

Most websites require:

1. You are already logged in
2. Then you add or switch 2FA to an authenticator app

You cannot skip this step on most sites.

Step 1: Save the Website Login in 1Password

If the login is not already saved:

1. Open 1Password
2. Create a Login item
3. Enter:
   • Website address
   • Username
   • Password
4. Save

If the login already exists, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Sign In to the Website (One Time)

1. Open the website in your browser
2. Sign in using the normal method
3. Complete whatever verification the site currently requires
   (email, SMS, old authenticator — just this once)

Remain signed in.

Step 3: Open the Website’s Security Settings

Look for sections named:

• Security
• Login & Security
• Account Settings
• Two‑Factor Authentication
• Two‑Step Verification

Every site names this slightly differently.

Step 4: Choose “Authenticator App” for 2FA

When enabling or changing 2FA:

• Select Authenticator App
• Select Time‑based codes
• Or One‑Time Passwords (OTP)

Even though the site says “app,” you will use 1Password instead.

Step 5: Do NOT Use the QR Code

The site will show a QR code.

Important: Ignore the QR code.

Instead, look for wording such as:

• “Can’t scan the QR code?”
• “Enter key manually”
• “Use setup key instead”

Select that option.

Step 6: Copy the Secret Key

The site will now show:

• A secret key
• Usually letters and numbers
• Sometimes called a “setup key” or “manual key”

Do not close the page yet.

Step 7: Add 2FA to 1Password (PC Only)

1. Open 1Password
2. Open the login item for this website
3. Choose Edit
4. Find One‑Time Password / 2FA / TOTP
5. Paste the secret key
6. Save

You will now see a 6‑digit code generated in 1Password.

This code is created on your computer.

Step 8: Confirm 2FA on the Website

1. Return to the website
2. Enter the 6‑digit code from 1Password
3. Confirm or finish setup

✅ The website is now using 1Password for 2FA

Step 9: Remove Phone‑Based Methods (Recommended)

To avoid being forced back to a phone later:

• Remove SMS codes
• Remove push approvals
• Remove backup phone numbers (if allowed)

Keep:

• ✅ Authenticator app (this is now 1Password)
• ✅ Recovery codes

Step 10: Save Recovery Codes Safely

If the site gives recovery codes:

• Save them in 1Password
• Or print and store securely

These are for emergencies only.

Step 11: Test the Setup

1. Sign out of the website
2. Sign back in

You should see:

• 1Password fills username/password
• Website asks for 2FA
• 1Password fills the 2FA code automatically

✅ No phone
✅ No manual typing
✅ No timing pressure

How Daily Logins Work After This

From now on:

1. Open the website
2. 1Password fills login
3. 1Password fills 2FA
4. You’re signed in

Everything happens on your PC.

If You Do Not See “Enter Key Manually”

Some sites hide it.

Try:

• Restarting 2FA setup
• Reloading the page
• Clicking “Authenticator App” again

If the site does not offer a manual key at all, then:

• 1Password cannot be used for 2FA on that site
• This is a site limitation, not your fault

Why This Method Is Important for Accessibility

This approach:

• Removes phone dependency
• Avoids timed visual codes
• Works with keyboard, screen readers, switch access, or voice tools
• Remains usable as physical ability changes

For many people with ALS or similar conditions, this is the most stable and accessible 2FA option available.

Below is a short, caregiver‑friendly version you can keep handy or print.
It’s written to be fast to follow and PC‑only, with no phone required after setup.

1Password 2FA — Quick Guide for Caregivers

(Works for most websites that support authenticator apps)

Goal

Set up two‑factor authentication (2FA) so the person can sign in only on their computer, without using a phone.

What You Need

• ✅ 1Password already working on the computer
• ✅ Ability to sign in to the site once using its current method
• ✅ The website supports Authenticator App / One‑Time Codes

Quick Setup Steps

1. Sign in to the website
   Use whatever method works one last time (email/SMS/old code).

2. Go to Security Settings
   Look for Security, Login & Security, or Two‑Factor Authentication.

3. Turn on “Authenticator App”
   Choose the option for an authenticator app or one‑time codes.

4. Ignore the QR code
   Click “Can’t scan?” or “Enter key manually.”

5. Copy the secret key
   It’s a long string of letters and numbers.

6. Add the key to 1Password

   • Open 1Password
   • Open the login item
   • Edit → One‑Time Password / 2FA
   • Paste the key and save

7. Confirm on the website
   Enter the 6‑digit code shown in 1Password to finish setup.

After Setup (Important)

• ✅ Remove SMS or app push options if allowed
• ✅ Save recovery codes in 1Password or print them
• ✅ Test by signing out and back in

Daily Login (What Caregivers Should Expect)

1. Open the site
2. 1Password fills login
3. 1Password fills the 2FA code
4. Signed in — no phone needed

If a Site Doesn’t Offer a “Manual Key”

• Restart the 2FA setup and look again
• If there’s no manual key at all, that site cannot use 1Password for 2FA (site limitation)

Why this helps

• No phone handling
• No timed visual codes
• Works with keyboard, screen readers, and assistive devices
• Stable as physical ability changes

We are using these stages to help you understand when these tools and apps were most effective for Steve.

EARLY STAGE | July 2021 – November 2022

From first symptoms to the walker

Key points
• No ventilation
• Able to walk without help
• Limited upper limb function

MIDDLE STAGE | November 2022 – August 2023

From walker to power chair

Key points
• Limited ventilation with an NIV
• Help needed to transfer
• Limited upper and lower limb function
• Work transitions
• Supplemental nutrition through feeding tube

LATE STAGE | August 2023 – Current

Power chair

Key points
• 50% to full time ventilation
• From NIV to tracheostomy
• Lift transfers
• Loss of limb function
• Most nutrition through feeding tube