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This document explains how to configure 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) for services that require it and retrieve the necessary Secret Key for the Pickcel Dashboard App.

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Why do I need a Secret Key instead of a QR Code?

The Pickcel Dashboard App logs into your services automatically to capture and display your dashboards. To do this with 2FA-protected accounts, it needs the secret key instead of a QR code.
In simple termsThe secret key allows Pickcel to automatically generate the 6-digit 2FA codes that would normally appear in an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. This enables automatic login without manual intervention.

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General Steps to Get the Secret Key

When you enable 2FA in services like Atlassian (Jira/Trello), Microsoft (Power BI), Salesforce, or Zendesk, you will be presented with a QR code. Instead of scanning it, look for an option like: Manual setup, Can’t scan the code?, Show secret key, Enter key manually This will reveal a long string of text (usually alphanumeric). This is your Secret Key (also sometimes called Authenticator Secret or Auth Secret).
ImportantStore this key in a secure location. Treat it with the same level of security as your main password. Anyone with this key can generate valid 2FA codes for your account.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Start the 2-Factor Authentication Setup Process

Navigate to your service’s security settings and begin enabling 2-Factor Authentication (also called Two-Step Verification or Multi-Factor Authentication).
For detailed, step-by-step instructions from the service providers, please refer to their official documentation in the note below.
2

Look for the 'Can't Scan the Code' Option

When the QR code appears during the 2FA setup process, do not scan it with your authenticator app yet. Instead, find and click one of these options:
  • “Can’t scan the code?”
  • “Manual setup”
  • “Show secret key”
  • “Enter a setup key”
The exact wording varies by service, but it’s always an alternative to scanning the QR code.
3

Copy the Secret Key

Once you click the manual setup option, a long string of characters will be displayed on the screen. This is your Secret Key.It will look something like this:
JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP
or
jbsw y3dp ehpk 3pxp
Copy this entire string (spaces don’t matter—you can include or exclude them).
Make sure you copy the entire key accurately. Even one character difference will prevent the 2FA from working.
4

Store the Secret Key Securely

Save this key in a secure location such as:
  • A password manager (recommended)
  • An encrypted note
  • A secure company vault
You will need this key when configuring the Pickcel Dashboard App.
Pro Tip: Also add the same secret key to your personal authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.) so you can still log in manually if needed.
5

Complete the 2FA Setup on Your Service

To finish the 2FA setup on your service’s website:
  1. Use your authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, etc.)
  2. Manually add an account using the same secret key you just copied
  3. The app will generate a 6-digit code
  4. Enter that code on the service’s 2FA setup page to verify and complete the setup
This step is necessary to activate 2FA on your account. Once complete, Pickcel will be able to use the same secret key to generate codes automatically.
6

Use the Secret Key in Pickcel Dashboard App

When configuring the Dashboard App in Pickcel, paste the secret key into the field labeled:
  • “Auth Secret”
  • “Auth Secret Key”
  • “Authenticator Secret”
  • “2FA Secret Key”
(The exact name depends on the dashboard type you are configuring.)Example: Auth Secret Field in PickcelOnce entered, Pickcel will use this key to automatically generate the 6-digit codes during login.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions directly from the service providers, please refer to their official documentation:

Jira/Atlassian

How to set up two-step verification for Atlassian accounts

Microsoft/Power BI

How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account

Salesforce

Enable MFA for Your Salesforce Users

Zendesk

Enabling two-factor authentication in Zendesk

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Common Questions

Unfortunately, no. The Pickcel Dashboard App requires the text-based secret key to generate 2FA codes automatically. QR codes are designed for manual scanning with authenticator apps, which isn’t compatible with our automated login system.
Yes. Pickcel stores your secret key securely and uses it only to generate time-based codes for logging into your dashboard. It is never shared with third parties. However, as a best practice, we recommend using a dedicated service account with limited permissions rather than your primary admin account.
You will need to disable 2FA on your account and then re-enable it to get a new secret key. Alternatively, some services allow you to regenerate the secret key from your security settings without fully disabling 2FA.
Yes! The same secret key can be used on multiple devices and applications. You can add it to your personal authenticator app and also provide it to Pickcel. Both will generate the same 6-digit codes at the same time.
If you believe your secret key has been compromised, immediately disable 2FA on your account, regenerate a new secret key, and update it in the Pickcel Dashboard App configuration. Also consider changing your account password.