GitLab: disable 2FA via console

Sometime the dedicated GitLab server crash the 2FA system. As a result, you can’t verify the 2FA step at sign-in page. A quick workaround is just temporary disable 2FA for a desired GitLab account. Here are steps to do.

Step 1 — Get GitLab Rail Console

SSH into your dedicated GitLab server. Then execute the following command:

gitlab-rails console

Verify return response, you should get something like this.

root@my-server:~# gitlab-rails console
Loading production environment (Rails 4.2.7.1)
irb(main):001:0>

Step 2 — Find target user

Run the following command in GitLab Rail Console.

User.where(username: "my-username")

Check return response before continue the next step.

Step 3 — Disable 2FA

User.where(username: "my-username").each(&:disable_two_factor!)

Done, the 2FA is now disabled on your account.

What’s next?

Test sign-in from web browser and re-enable 2FA if needed.

Happy Coding!