---
type: entity
title: FreeOTP
tags: [software, totp, authentication, 2fa, open-source, authenticator]
related: [totp, 2-factor-authentication, ums]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_zentraler_nutzeraccount_2_faktor_authenti.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_dokumentation_anleitungen_2fa_mit_totp_2fa_einricht.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_dokumentation_anleitungen_2fa_mit_totp_totp_code_ab.md"]
---

# FreeOTP

**FreeOTP** is an open-source TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) authenticator software application used for generating time-based one-time passwords for [[2-factor-authentication]].

## Integration with Universität Greifswald (URZ)
The [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] cites FreeOTP as an example of software that can be used to activate Two-Factor Authentication for the [[zentraler-nutzeraccount]].

### Setup Options
FreeOTP supports two methods for importing account secrets:
1. **QR-Code Scanning:** The most streamlined method, requiring camera permissions. This is used by scanning the QR code provided during the [[ums]] setup process.
2. **Manual Entry:** Requires the manual input of the TOTP-Secret and specific technical parameters.

### URZ Configuration Parameters
When configuring FreeOTP manually for the Universität Greifswald (URZ) services, the following technical parameters must be used to ensure compatibility with the [[ums]]:

| Parameter | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Token Type** | TOTP |
| **Digits** | 6 |
| **Algorithm** | SHA1 |
| **Interval** | 30 seconds |

## Operational Workflow
To retrieve a security code for login:
1. Select the relevant account entry in the application.
2. Read the six-digit code.
3. Ensure the code is used within its **30-second validity window**.

### Code Transfer Methods
Depending on the device configuration, users can transfer the code in two ways:
- **Manual**: Manually typing the code from the mobile device into the login screen of another device.
- **Clipboard**: On a single device, using the **Share** icon $\rightarrow$ **Copy to clipboard** $\rightarrow$ **Paste** into the target application.

## Related Concepts
- [[totp]]: The underlying mechanism used by FreeOTP to generate codes.
- [[2-factor-authentication]]: The security framework that requires these codes.