Completing 2-Step Verification Using Your Smartphone

If your firm administrator has enabled the SmartPhone Authenticator feature, you can use a dedicated authenticator app on your mobile device to complete 2-Step Verification.

This verification method requires you to pair your mobile device to your CCH Axcess user account using the authenticator app. After pairing is completed, any time you are prompted to complete 2-Step Verification, you may perform an action or retrieve a code in the app to complete authentication.

This verification method is more secure than receiving verification codes via phone calls or text messages. Also, unlike these other methods, your device does not need to be connected to the Internet or cell service. As long as your device remains paired to your CCH Axcess user account, you can complete authentication.

See the sections below to learn more about how to setup and use this authentication method.

Install the Authenticator App

CCH Axcess supports the use of two authenticator apps, Wolters Kluwer Authenticator and Google Authenticator™. These applications can be downloaded for free from the Apple® App Store® (for iPhones®) and Google Play™ (for phones on the Android™ platform). Use the links below to download and install the apps:

For iPhone® For Android™
Wolters Kluwer Authenticator Wolters Kluwer Authenticator
Google Authenticator™ Google Authenticator™

Your firm might provide guidance about which authenticator app to use. If your firm does not specify which application to use, the following information may be useful in helping you decide which app to use:

  • Wolters Kluwer Authenticator (recommended). This app provides the most streamlined approach to 2-Step Verification. There is no need to manually enter codes during setup or when completing verification. Once you've set up your account, you can complete verification and login with a single tap in the app.
  • Google Authenticator™. This app generates verification codes that expire every 20 seconds. To set up your user account and verify your identity with this app, you will enter the current verification code displayed in the app into the 2-Step Verification window.

See the documentation provided with your smartphone for instructions on installing apps.

Pair Your Device

  1. In Dashboard, click User Options in the navigation panel.
  2. Click Change Login Profile.
  3. Click 2-Step verification device pairing.
  4. Select the authentication app you would like to use for 2-Step Verification.
  5. Click Pair device beneath the selected app.
  6. Select the type of phone you have.
  7. Click Continue. The bar code that displays will be used to pair your device with the authenticator app.
  8. Open the authenticator app on your smartphone.
  9. Add your CCH Axcess user account to the app. To view detailed instructions, click the link below that corresponds with the app you are using.
    • ClosedWolters Kluwer Authenticator 
      1. Tap the plus sign (+) in the app.
      2. Tap Scan QR Code.
      3. Scan the barcode displayed on your computer.
      4. Tap OK on the app. Your CCH Axcess user account is now added to the app.
    • ClosedGoogle Authenticator™
      1. Tap Begin Setup.
      2. Tap Scan Barcode.
      3. Scan the barcode displayed on the 2-Step Verification window with your phone. Your account is added to the app. The six-digit number that displays in the app is the current verification code. The number will expire after 20 seconds and be replaced by a new code.
  10. Click Continue on the 2-Step Verification window on your computer.
  11. If you are connecting to Google Authenticator, enter the code displayed in the app in the 2-Step Verification window, and then click Continue. This step is not necessary for Wolters Kluwer Authenticator.

  12. Click Close on the 2-Step Verification window on your computer.

Unpairing Your Device

  1. In Dashboard, click User Options in the navigation panel.
  2. Click Change Login Profile.
  3. Click 2-Step verification device pairing.
  4. Click Unpair device beneath the paired app.

  5. Tap OK.

  6. Click Close.

Changing and Restoring Your Pairing

You can change which app you use for 2-Step Verification at any time. However, you can only be paired with one app at a time. If you pair your device with one app, and then later pair with the other app, the pairing with the first app is disabled. If you later want to restore the original pairing, you can click Pair again to restore that connection. If you experience issues with your current pairing, you can also click Pair again to reset the pairing.

Complete 2-Step Verification with an Authenticator App

Once your device has been paired with the authenticator app, you can begin using the app for 2-Step Verification. The process for logging in and verifying your identity is as follows:

  1. In the CCH Axcess Login window, enter your credentials and the Captcha text as you normally would, and then click Login.
  2. When you are presented with the option to confirm your identity, select Authenticator App.
  3. Click Send the Code.
  4. Do one of the following, depending on which authenticator app you use:
    • Wolters Kluwer Authenticator. Click Approve in the app on your phone. You can also click Approve on the notification sent by the app. Once you click Approve, you are logged in to CCH Axcess automatically.
    • Google Authenticator. Open the app. A unique and time-restricted code displays. Enter the currently displayed code on the Verify Your Identity window on your computer. Then, click Submit.

      Note: Codes expire after 20 seconds. An animated circle below and to the right of the code indicates the amount of time left before the current code expires.