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How to set up a Recovery PIN and backup recovery method

Make sure you can always get back into your account.


To protect your account, go to My Account, open the Security tab, and use Recovery settings to set a 4-digit Recovery PIN and add a backup recovery method. Together, they help you get back into Adams Tax Forms Helper if you ever get locked out.

Your Recovery PIN is used to reset your password and to verify your identity with Customer Support. Your backup recovery method is how we reach you if you lose access to your login codes. Security questions are being retired, so set up both now.

Set your Recovery PIN

  1. In the left menu, click My Account.

Left menu with My Account at the bottom Left menu with My Account at the bottom

  1. Click the Security tab.

My Account page, pointer on the Security tab My Account page, pointer on the Security tab

  1. Under Recovery settings, click Set Recovery PIN. You may need to scroll down to see it.

Security tab scrolled to Recovery settings, Recovery PIN marked Not set Security tab scrolled to Recovery settings, Recovery PIN marked Not set

  1. Type a 4-digit number in New PIN. Pick a number you'll remember.

Recovery PIN form open with empty New PIN and Confirm PIN fields Recovery PIN form open with empty New PIN and Confirm PIN fields

  1. Type the same number in Confirm PIN.

Recovery PIN form with New PIN filled in, pointer on Confirm PIN Recovery PIN form with New PIN filled in, pointer on Confirm PIN

  1. Click Save PIN.

Recovery PIN form with both PIN fields filled in, pointer on Save PIN Recovery PIN form with both PIN fields filled in, pointer on Save PIN

Add a backup recovery method

  1. On the Security tab, under Recovery settings, click Add Backup Recovery Method.

Backup recovery method marked Not set, pointer on Add Backup Recovery Method Backup recovery method marked Not set, pointer on Add Backup Recovery Method

  1. Type your backup email in Email address.

Backup recovery method form with the Email address field Backup recovery method form with the Email address field

  1. Click Save backup method.

Backup recovery method form with Email address filled in, pointer on Save backup method Backup recovery method form with Email address filled in, pointer on Save backup method

What happens next

Once both are saved, you can use your Recovery PIN to reset your password, and Customer Support can use it to confirm it's you. If you ever lose access to your login codes, we'll use your backup recovery method to reach you.

Common questions

What do I use my Recovery PIN for?
To reset your password if you can’t get your verification codes, and to confirm your identity when you contact Customer Support. Don’t share it with anyone else.

What happened to my security questions?
They’re being retired. Your Recovery PIN and backup recovery method replace them.

Is my backup recovery method the same as where my verification codes go?
No. Your verification codes are what you enter each time you sign in. Your backup method is a separate way to reach you if you lose access to those codes, so it has to be different.

It says my backup must be different from my account email or verification method.
Use a second email address or another phone number, so you still have a way in if you lose access to one.

Can I change my Recovery PIN or backup method later?
Yes. Under Recovery settings, click Change PIN, or Change next to your backup method.

My Recovery PIN is locked. How do I unlock it?
Set a new PIN. Click Change PIN and save a new one.

Can I remove my backup method?
Yes. Click Remove next to it. If you also lose your PIN, you’ll need to contact support to get back in.

Want to change where your verification codes go? See How to Change Where Your Verification Codes Go.

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