The portal code is invalid or expired

Client portalUpdated September 2, 20262 min read

Clients sign in to the portal with a six-digit code sent to their email. No password, no account to create. Follow this when a client says the code does not work — or send them the page.

The rules

  • The code is six digits.
  • It expires in 15 minutes, as the email says.
  • A code from an hour ago will never work.
  • After a few wrong tries the code stops being accepted. Wait a moment and request a new one.

Always use the most recent email

This is the part that catches people out. Asking for another code does not necessarily cancel the one already in the inbox — you may well get the same digits again.

Either way, the newest email is the one to read. Make that the habit: use the code from the most recent email.

The screen says so too, once more than one has gone out: Received more than one email? Use the code from the most recent one.

What each message means

  • Invalid or expired code — the digits do not match, or too much time passed. Check you are reading the newest email, then request a new code.
  • The code expired. Request a new one. — more than 15 minutes went by. Ask for another.
  • Too many attempts. Wait and try again. — too many wrong tries on that code. Wait a moment, then request a new one.
  • A code is already on its way to this address. — you asked again too quickly. The screen counts down the short wait, and the code already in the inbox still works.

Tip: Copying the code can pick up a trailing space, which reads as a wrong attempt. Type the six digits by hand.

If no code arrives at all

Check spam first, then confirm the address. Clients only receive codes at an address registered as a contact on their account. A personal address, or a colleague’s, gets nothing.

Work through An email from RecReview isn’t arriving before requesting more codes, since each new request only restarts the wait.

If the code is accepted but the portal still refuses access, the contact may not be linked to that client yet. Whoever manages the workspace can check the contact list. If it looks right, contact support.

Frequently asked questions

Does requesting a new code cancel the old one?
Not necessarily — asking again often sends the same code. Whatever arrives, the code in the most recent email is the one to use.
How long does a client stay signed in?
They stay signed in on that device until they sign out, so the code is only needed occasionally.

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