When Margaret was trying to update her email subscription settings through our webmail portal, a message popped up asking her to enter a one-time code that had been emailed to her. But how could she get the code without losing the website page she was on?
If that sounds familiar, this step-by-step guide walks you through how to switch from a website to your email app, find the code, then return to the website to enter it.
Step 1: Leave the website open
When the website asks for a one-time code, do not close your web browser. You will come back to it shortly.
Step 2: Open your email
To open your email app:
- Look along the bottom of your screen (Windows) or in your dock (Mac) for the icon that opens your email; and
- Select the icon to open the app.
To open your webmail (if it was already open):
- Select the website browser tab that says “Inbox”, “Mail”, “Webmail”, and/or has the webmail or company logo on it.
To open your webmail (if it was not already open):
- Open a new browser tab.
- Go to your webmail login page.
- Log in to webmail.
Real-life examples:
- Margaret selected the Apple Mail icon in her dock to reopen her email inbox that was already running in the background.
- Len found the Microsoft Outlook icon in the taskbar at the bottom of his screen and selected it to bring it up.
- Carol was already using Webmail in another browser tab. She clicked the tab labelled “Inbox” to open the message with her code.
Tip: If you are ever unsure which app icon is which, hover your mouse over the icons in your taskbar or dock. A little label should appear with the app name.
Step 3: Find the one-time code
Open the email that says something such as “Your code”, “Verification code”, “OTP” (one-time password) or “OTC” (one-time code).
You can:
- Write down the code;
- Memorise it if you like; or
- Right-click and select Copy if you are comfortable doing that.
Step 4: Go back to the website
You now need to return to the website, which should still be open and ready for you to type in the code.
- Select the browser icon (e.g. Chrome, Safari, or Edge) in your taskbar or dock; or
- Use a shortcut to flick back to your browser (e.g. For Windows, press Alt + Tab, or for Mac, press Command + Tab.
Step 5: Enter the code
Type or paste the one-time code into the box on the website. Once you enter it, the page will update. (This might be to confirm your sign-in, complete your payment, or take you to your account settings.)
Need more help?
Please read our support article on this topic.
