Settings and Preferences

The Settings and Preferences page is where you manage your personal account details, account security, credits, and display preferences.

This guide explains each section of the page and what it is used for.

Profile Information

The Profile Information section stores your basic account details.

Fields in this section may include:

• First Name — Your given name.
• Last Name — Your family name.
• Email Address — The email address tied to your account.
• Phone Number — Your contact number.
• Address — Your mailing or business address.

Discussion Username

Your Discussion Username is the public name shown when you participate in platform discussions.

Use this field if you want your display name in discussion areas to be different from your full account name.

After updating your profile or username, select Save Changes to apply your updates.

Account Type

The Account Type section shows your current membership level and account details.

This section may display:

• Your current account level
• Your member status
• Your most recent login date
• Your user ID

This area is informational and helps confirm the type of account currently assigned to you.

Credits and Billing

The Credits & Billing section shows how many credits are currently available on your account and may also display available credit packages.

This section is used to:

• Review your current credit balance
• View available credit bundles
• Understand the cost per credit for available packages

If purchase options are displayed as Coming Soon, that means the credit package is visible in the interface but not yet available for self-service purchase.

Credit / Purchase History

The Credit / Purchase History section shows recent credit activity on your account.

This may include:

• Reports or actions that used credits
• Credits that were purchased
• Credits that were manually added or adjusted
• The date and time of each entry

This section is useful when you want to confirm where credits were used or review recent account activity.

Change Password

The Change Password section lets you update your password.

To change your password:

1. Enter your current password.
2. Enter your new password.
3. Confirm your new password.
4. Select Change Password.

Your password must meet the platform's password requirements. If the page lists specific requirements, make sure your new password follows them before saving.

Preferences

The Preferences section lets you customize parts of your experience.

Dark Mode

Dark Mode changes the visual theme of the platform.

• Turn it on to use a darker display style.
• Turn it off to return to the standard light theme.

This setting only affects how the platform appears on your screen and does not change your account data.

Two-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The Two-Factor Authentication (MFA) section adds an extra layer of account security.

When MFA is enabled, signing in requires both:

• Your password
• A second verification step, usually through an authenticator app

This helps protect your account even if your password is compromised.

Depending on your account type, MFA may be required.

How to set up MFA with Microsoft Authenticator

One common way to complete MFA setup is with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Before you begin

Make sure you have:

• A mobile device with the Microsoft Authenticator app installed
• Access to your AREC account
• Access to the MFA setup screen or QR code prompt during setup

Step 1: Install Microsoft Authenticator

On your mobile device, download and install Microsoft Authenticator from your device's app store.

Step 2: Open the MFA setup in the platform

Go to the Two-Factor Authentication (MFA) section in your account settings.

If MFA is not already configured, begin the setup process until the platform displays a QR code or setup prompt.

Step 3: Open Microsoft Authenticator

On your mobile device:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Allow notifications if prompted.
3. If asked for camera access, allow it so the app can scan the QR code.

Step 4: Add your account

In Microsoft Authenticator:

1. Tap the + or Add account button.
2. Select Work or school account.
3. Choose Scan QR code.

Step 5: Scan the QR code

Use your phone to scan the QR code shown on your computer or in the platform setup window.

Once scanned, your account should be added to Microsoft Authenticator.

Step 6: Approve the verification test

After your account is added, the platform may send a test approval request.

On your phone:

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator notification, or open the app directly.
2. Review the sign-in request.
3. Approve the request if it matches your sign-in.

Once approved, MFA setup should be complete.

Signing in with MFA after setup

After MFA has been enabled, future sign-ins may require one additional approval step.

Depending on your account configuration, you may be asked to:

• Approve a sign-in request in Microsoft Authenticator
• Enter a verification code from the app
• Complete number matching if prompted

If you cannot scan the QR code

If your device cannot scan the QR code:

• Look for a manual setup option on the setup screen
• Follow the on-screen steps for entering the setup code manually
• Make sure camera permission is enabled if you want to try scanning again

If you get a new phone or lose access to Authenticator

If you no longer have access to the device that was originally used for MFA, you may need help resetting or re-registering MFA.

In that case, contact support or your account administrator before attempting setup again.

Summary

The Settings and Preferences page gives you one place to manage:

• Your personal account details
• Your public discussion username
• Your account type and membership details
• Your credits and credit history
• Your password
• Your display preferences
• Your MFA security settings

For most users, this page is the main location for keeping account information accurate, secure, and up to date.