The following manual describes how to deactivate Two-Factor-Authentication via the database-backend to regain access to the Joomla-backend.
Follow the following steps to enable a user to login into the Joomla-backend without having to enter a two-factor-code. Please replace prefix ‘#####’ with the prefix used in your Joomla-database.
Every Joomla-installation uses an individual prefix.
- Log in to the database management tool of your choice (PHPMyAdmin, SQL ManagementStudio eg.)
- Select/click your joomla database => table “#####_extensions => entry “plg_multifactorauth_totp”
- Set the entry of the colum “enabled” from 1 to 0. 4. click "execute/go" to update datase Now you can login to your joomla admin back end with user name and password
After login in as admin, you can go back to and re-enable 2FA/set "enabled” back to "1". From here, you can edit your user account and re-generage and add 2FA code. You should keep your "Backup Codes" somewhere safe as well.
Reference:
How to deactivate Google Two-Factor-Authentication in Joomla via database - Pixelfriedhof