Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a time-based one-time password (TOTP) from an authenticator app after signing in with their email and password.

How MFA Works

MFA in the kit uses TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password), compatible with authenticator apps like:

• Google Authenticator
• Authy
• 1Password
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Any TOTP-compatible app

When MFA is enabled:

1. User signs in with email/password
2. Better Auth detects MFA is enabled for this user
3. User is redirected to /auth/verify
4. User enters the 6-digit code from their authenticator app
5. If valid, session is created and user proceeds to dashboard

Enabling MFA

Users enable MFA from their security settings page.

Route: /settings/security

Click to expand

Setup Process

1. User clicks "Enable MFA" button
2. A QR code is displayed
3. User scans the QR code with their authenticator app
4. User enters the initial verification code to confirm setup
5. MFA is now active on their account

The QR code contains the TOTP secret and account information in a standard otpauth:// URI format that authenticator apps recognize.

Backup Codes

When MFA is enabled, users should be prompted to save backup codes. These one-time codes can be used if the user loses access to their authenticator app.

Verification Flow

Click to expand

Route: /auth/verify

The verification page shows a simple form for entering the 6-digit code. The code changes every 30 seconds in the authenticator app.

Client-Side Redirect

The auth client handles the redirect to verification automatically:

twoFactorClient({
  onTwoFactorRedirect() {
    const redirect = new URLSearchParams(location.search).get('redirect');
    window.location.href = '/auth/verify' + (redirect ? `?redirect=${redirect}` : '');
  },
}),

Verification Component

The MFA challenge is handled by MultiFactorChallengeContainer:

<MultiFactorChallengeContainer
  paths={{
    signIn: '/auth/sign-in',
  }}
/>

Configuration

MFA is enabled through the Better Auth two-factor plugin:

import { twoFactor } from 'better-auth/plugins/two-factor';
export function createTwoFactorPlugin() {
  return twoFactor({
    issuer: env('NEXT_PUBLIC_PRODUCT_NAME'),  // Shows in authenticator app
  });
}

The issuer appears in the authenticator app alongside the account, helping users identify which service the code is for.

Programmatic MFA

Enable MFA

'use client';
import { authClient } from '@kit/better-auth/client';
async function enableMFA() {
  const result = await authClient.twoFactor.enable();
  if (result.error) {
    console.error(result.error.message);
    return;
  }
  // result.data contains the TOTP secret and QR code URL
  return result.data;
}

Verify MFA Code

'use client';
import { authClient } from '@kit/better-auth/client';
async function verifyMFACode(code: string) {
  const result = await authClient.twoFactor.verifyTotp({
    code,
  });
  if (result.error) {
    console.error(result.error.message);
    return;
  }
  // MFA verified, session created
  window.location.href = '/dashboard';
}

Disable MFA

'use client';
import { authClient } from '@kit/better-auth/client';
async function disableMFA(code: string) {
  const result = await authClient.twoFactor.disable({
    code,  // Requires current TOTP code to disable
  });
  if (result.error) {
    console.error(result.error.message);
    return;
  }
  // MFA disabled
}

MFA and Other Auth Methods

Magic Links

Magic link authentication bypasses MFA. If you require MFA for all users, consider disabling magic links:

NEXT_PUBLIC_AUTH_MAGIC_LINK=false

This is by design since the email itself serves as a second factor (possession of the email account).

Social Providers

Review MFA behavior carefully for every enabled sign-in method. If you need stricter MFA enforcement, test the flows you expose and limit sign-in methods accordingly.

Password-Only MFA

Only email/password authentication enforces MFA. This provides a balance between security and convenience:

Security Considerations

Rate Limiting

MFA verification attempts are rate-limited to prevent brute-force attacks. After several failed attempts, the user may need to wait before trying again.

Session Security

When MFA verification succeeds, a new session is created. The session inherits the same security properties (HTTP-only cookies, secure flag in production).

Recovery

If users lose access to their authenticator app:

1. They can use backup codes (if saved)
2. An admin can disable MFA for their account
3. They can contact support for manual verification

Common Issues

"Invalid code" Error

1. Code has expired (they change every 30 seconds)
2. Device time is out of sync with server time
3. Wrong account selected in authenticator app

QR Code Won't Scan

1. Ensure good lighting and camera focus
2. Try entering the secret manually in the authenticator app
3. Check that the QR code is fully visible

MFA Locked Out

If a user is locked out:

1. Check for backup codes
2. Admin can query the database and update the user's MFA status
3. Consider implementing an account recovery flow

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