2FA drastically improves user account security by adding a second layer of protection to primary login credentials. 2FA requires configuration, management, and additional steps during authentication, so improving UX while strengthening security is a must to avoid user frustrations. An optimal balance of usability and mandatory security requirements creates a secure and frictionless 2FA flow.
The following 10 usability heuristics guide you in designing secure and frictionless 2FA for any digital product:
In UI/UX design, heuristics are well-established principles and practices to create user-friendly, usable product designs. There are no strict rules in 2FA UI/UX design, but designers should follow 2FA usability heuristics to create usable, familiar, learnable, smooth 2FA verification, recovery, and configuration flows, while strengthening overall application security.
Adhering to heuristics creates an effective 2FA UX for users, and neglecting heuristics causes poor UX:
| Poor | Effective | |
|---|---|---|
| Offering mandatory hardware keys for 2FA configuration for a general productivity app Problem: Limited 2FA choices |
Displays multiple 2FA choices, including SMS, TOTP authenticator app, biometrics, and hardware keys, with concise explanations for each option | |
| SMS OTP is sent immediately after entering login credentials, a timeout is set for a few seconds, and there is no resend option Problem: Accessibility and delivery issues |
OTP is sent after displaying the last two digits of the phone number on user confirmation. A resend option is available, and the OTP expires in a few minutes |
The following 10 2FA usability heuristics help you design frictionless, secure, and effective 2FA flows:
In each 2FA configuration flow, the user has to perform different, progressive tasks, so we should offer a step-by-step configuration UI for simplicity. Here are generic steps that you should include in any 2FA configuration for enhanced usability and security:
Offer several 2FA methods, at least two or more options, selecting from SMS, TOTP authenticator app, biometrics, and hardware keys, and let the user select preferred methods.
Add concise explanations for each method, also using an onboarding explanation with learn more links, so even if the user isn’t familiar with a specific 2FA method, they can quickly learn and adapt to it through your product.
Not all users use the latest up-to-date device to access your product — they can use low-end devices and reasonably old browsers. Showing compatibility messages at the end of the configuration wizard or greying out without explanations aren’t good practices as they confuse or frustrate users.
Display only 2FA options that the user’s device or browser supports. e.g., hiding the biometrics option if the device doesn’t support biometric verification.
Avoid 2FA when the security risk is very low to improve user convenience. Skipping 2FA on devices that the user often uses to access the product, also known as trusted devices, is common on most products. On trusted devices, digital products often skip 2FA even if the user logs out, unless risk assessment results are changed.
2FA methods can fail, so offer a clear initialization point for a secondary 2FA flow, and if that fails, offer access to a 2FA recovery flow. Never hide these options under hidden menus and frustrate users, especially when their mood is changed with the fear of account lock-in. Disclose secondary and recovery options progressively for security purposes and to avoid user decision-making challenges.
2FA involves cryptography, hardware devices, and operating system-level security features, but don’t use their technical jargon to describe security features or user flow steps. Use simple, non-technical language to describe 2FA in a way that everyone understands.
Here is an example:
Biometrics offers the most convenient user verification method. No OTPs, copy-paste, typing— the user just needs to look at the camera or touch the fingerprint sensor, regardless of the device type. Modern hardware keys have proven security over all other 2FA methods. Support biometrics for convenience and hardware keys for users who are extra careful about online security.
Design 2FA prompts and flows with accessibility in mind to help everyone secure their accounts regardless of their abilities. Here are some accessibility factors that are so important in 2FA design:
Create a new section or page in the user settings to review and revoke trusted devices. This helps users to block account access for a specific device if it is lost or stolen.
Improve user productivity by reducing user interaction with 2FA activities without weakening security. Here are some common ways to do so:
Mitigate security risks based on the following security implications while implementing heuristics:
| Heuristic | UX benefit | Security implication |
|---|---|---|
| Simplified flows | Higher completion rate | Avoid skipping mandatory security safeguards |
| Session persistence | Less re-auth fatigue | Risk if the device is shared |
| Extended timeouts | Accessibility benefits | Avoid too long timeouts to minimize bruteforce attack risk |
| Skipping 2FA | Productivity benefits | Never skip 2FA on untrusted devices or on suspicious activity |
| Multiple recovery options | Recovery flexibility | Risk if weak methods are used |
Minimum as possible. A general product may ask once on a new personal device and again only if there is a security risk
Should be checked on personal devices to reduce friction
No, you can use it to secure sensitive features, e.g., before processing a financial transaction
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