The error "2FA security detected, this Sales Navigator account can't use this Phantom" means that Sales Navigator asked for a security check the Phantom couldn't pass. This happens for one of two reasons. Either 2FA is turned off on your LinkedIn account, or your company enforces single sign-on (SSO) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the account. In both cases, the Phantom stops the launch.
What causes this error
2FA is turned off on your LinkedIn account. Sales Navigator requires 2FA, also called two-step verification, to be turned on. When it's off, Sales Navigator redirects the Phantom to its two-step verification page, and the launch stops. The logs then show the message "Two-step verification is now required to access Sales Navigator."
Your company enforces SSO or MFA. Some companies require you to sign in to LinkedIn through a corporate identity provider, such as Okta or Microsoft Entra ID. The Phantom can't go through this login page, so the launch stops. Your IT team controls these settings, not LinkedIn.
How to confirm the cause in your logs
- Open your Phantom and go to the console.
- Open the logs of the most recent failed launch.
- Find the line that starts with Current URL is. This is the page the Phantom was redirected to.
If the URL is linkedin.com/sales/two-step-verification, 2FA is turned off on your LinkedIn account. If the URL contains okta.com, login.microsoftonline.com or your company's domain, your company enforces SSO or MFA on the account.
How to fix it
If 2FA is turned off
Turn on 2FA in your LinkedIn settings, then launch the Phantom again. To keep your connection working with 2FA turned on, connect your account with your email and password. See How to Connect Your LinkedIn Account with Your Email and Password.
If your company enforces SSO or MFA
PhantomBuster can't go through enterprise login pages, so the fix requires a change on the account. You have two options:
- Ask your IT team to exclude the LinkedIn account you use with PhantomBuster from the SSO or MFA policy.
- Use a different LinkedIn account that isn't subject to the policy, such as a personal account with Sales Navigator access.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 2FA turned on to use Sales Navigator Phantoms?
Yes. Sales Navigator requires 2FA to be turned on in your LinkedIn account. When it's off, the Phantom stops with this error.
Why can't PhantomBuster go through my company's login page?
Enterprise login pages, such as SSO portals and MFA prompts, are designed to block automated access and require a person to complete them.
What if my whole company uses SSO for LinkedIn?
You need a LinkedIn account that is excluded from the SSO policy, such as a personal account or an automation account approved by your IT team. No Phantom can run on an account that is fully locked behind enterprise SSO.
Is this a PhantomBuster bug?
No. The Phantom detects the security check and stops the launch cleanly. The fix is a setting on your LinkedIn account.