Letters
Readers’ feedback on Orange two-step authentication issues
Reader Peter Cracknell recently wrote to The Connexion sharing his frustration with accessing his orange.fr emails while visiting the UK. A wave of readers quickly came to his aid
With Orange’s 2-step authentication, not having a French number is impossible
2023 Below the Sky/Shutterstock.
Mr Cracknell, an Orange customer, explained that Orange had added two-factor authentication (2FA) to his email account. To log in successfully, he had to either physically interact with his Livebox or receive an SMS on his registered mobile number.
However, the number had to be French. With only a UK mobile number, Mr Cracknell could not complete the two-step authentication and thus could not access his Orange emails while in the UK.
Having had a second home in Dordogne since 2003, Mr Peter had installed his home internet via Orange’s Livebox and used his orange.fr address for French administrative tasks, such as banking, utilities, and shopping.
Here is what The Connexion readers had to say:
French sim cards are useful
“In answer to your question about two-step authentication, I recommend a French SIM. I have a Free SIM that costs only €2 per month. It’s extremely useful for calls and messages in France. My phone is dual SIM, with a virtual UK SIM for the UK side. This should solve the problem.” M.G.
“I was surprised to read that Peter Cracknell couldn’t comply with Orange’s 2FA, especially after Brexit, when local tradespeople won’t make international calls. The solution I use is a local French number, costing €2 per month. With an eSIM, there’s no need to carry two phones, and it works throughout Europe.” M.W.
Dual sim phones and VPNs
“This is becoming an increasing problem for those with UK and French banking and utilities. I got around it by using a dual SIM phone: a cheap UK SIM (like Tesco) for occasional calls, and a French SIM from Leclerc (Reglomobile) for €3.50–€6.50 per month.
I don’t understand why 2FA is needed for an email account. Perhaps a setting in Mr Cracknell’s Orange account needs changing. A VPN could also make it appear that you are in France when in the UK, though some sites detect VPNs. I’ve used the Surfshark VPN for years; it works well for this purpose.” I.A.
Contact Orange or Use a Floating Email
“I encountered the same problem earlier this year while accessing my Orange account far from my livebox. The solution was to email abuse@orange.fr to add my number. This only works with a French mobile, but it may be worth a try.” L.G.
“For my Orange account, I use it via Google Mail as a secondary address, even while in Australia. Perhaps this bypasses Orange’s 2FA. My Google account also has fingerprint recognition, which may act as the second authentication.” T.B.
Apps & Practical Solutions
“An inexpensive solution: buy a Free SIM in France for €2/month. Insert it into a dual SIM phone, or temporarily swap with your UK SIM. Texts work in the UK. Alternatively, download the Orange ‘Orange et moi’ app, which works abroad to verify your identity.” M.V.
“The two-step verification SMS often uses a short code that cannot be received by non-French numbers. The only reliable solution is a French mobile number. I monitor a French mobile for banking codes, and it works worldwide.” K.W.
“I use a floating email address for general correspondence and a Free SIM (€2/month) for security codes. It works perfectly for French banking, even from the UK.”C.A.
International Considerations
“As an Australian living in France with financial connections in Australia, I maintain an Australian SIM for essential SMS codes. While not ideal, it ensures I can comply with mandatory 2FA for banks and government services. Two-factor authentication is here to stay; the cost of a second SIM is minor compared with the security it provides.”D.Y.
Dual SIM Advantages
“Many high-end phones can handle two SIMs, which works well for people active in two countries. My phone has both a French Free SIM and a Dutch SIM. Calls and texts work independently for each number, avoiding roaming charges and allowing banking apps to function correctly.”P.K.
Alternative 2FA Options
“2FA can sometimes be done via email instead of SMS. Using a universal Gmail or Hotmail address can bypass the need for a mobile number. eSIMs can also allow allocation of the Orange number for verification.” P.G.
“I secured my Orange account by using a French virtual SIM via Sosh and an iPhone with Face or Fingerprint ID. Two-factor authentication protects against hackers, and it’s becoming mandatory in Europe. It’s challenging for older, less tech-savvy users, which is why my sister and I help my elderly parents access their email safely.” N.W.
Affordable Dual SIM Solutions
“The Free basic mobile contract at €2/month solves many problems. I always buy dual SIM phones and keep the Free SIM inserted when needed. Monthly boosts of €4 provide extra data when required.” T.G.
If you have any other suggestions for Mr Cracknell you can send them here: feedback@connexionfrance.com
