At a Glance • Key Takeaways
- Automated Efficiency: Streamline online bookings, live availability scheduling, and customer communication without manual intervention.
- Live Capacity & Conflict Prevention: Prevent double-booking across staff, rooms, activity sessions, or rental fleet assets in real time.
- 0% Platform Booking Fees: SmartBookings does not charge transaction fees or take percentage cuts of your ticket sales or customer payments.
1. What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an essential layer of security to your admin account. In addition to your password, you will be prompted for a 6-digit verification code generated by an authenticator app on your smartphone when signing in.
Why MFA is Recommended: Even if someone guesses or steals your password through phishing or credential stuffing, they cannot access your admin portal, customer data, or booking systems without your physical phone.
2. Supported Authenticator Apps
SmartBookings uses the industry-standard TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password) protocol compatible with all major authenticator apps:
- Google Authenticator (iOS & Android)
- Microsoft Authenticator (iOS & Android)
- 1Password / Bitwarden / Apple Passwords
- Authy
3. Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1 Click Your account in the top-right navbar and choose Two-factor auth (MFA) (MfaSetup.aspx).
2 Open your authenticator app on your smartphone and tap Add Account / Scan QR Code.
3 Scan the QR code displayed on the screen. (If you cannot scan the code, click to view the manual 32-character secret key and type it into your app).
4 Enter the current 6-digit verification code shown in your authenticator app into the confirmation box.
5 Click Verify & Enable MFA. You will receive a green confirmation alert indicating that two-factor authentication is active!
4. Logging in with MFA
Next time you log into the admin portal:
- Enter your Username and Password as normal.
- The system displays a prompt for your 6-digit authentication code.
- Open your phone app, read the 6-digit code, enter it, and click Verify to enter the dashboard.
5. Disabling or Changing Your Phone
Switching Phones: If you get a new mobile phone, visit MfaSetup.aspx on your old device first, click Disable Two-Factor Authentication, and then set it up fresh on your new device.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) essential for booking system security?
MFA protects your customer database, booking schedules, and financial settings from unauthorized access by requiring a time-sensitive 6-digit code in addition to your password.
Which mobile authenticator apps are compatible with SmartBookings MFA?
SmartBookings uses the standard TOTP protocol, compatible with Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, 1Password, Authy, and Apple Passwords.
What should an administrator do if a staff member loses their phone with their MFA app?
A system Administrator can access Admin Users (AdminUsers.aspx), locate the staff member's profile, and click 'Reset MFA' to generate a fresh setup QR code.
Can MFA be enforced across all admin and operator accounts in the venue?
Yes. When MFA is enabled, staff members are prompted with a setup banner upon login and must register their authenticator app before accessing administrative tools.
Does MFA require mobile phone signal or SMS delivery to generate security codes?
No. Authenticator apps generate codes algorithmically offline on the phone, meaning staff can authenticate even in rural venues or basements without mobile reception.
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