How to set-up Google Authenticator

How to set-up Google Authenticator on your phone. It only takes a few steps. Using 2-factor authentication (2FA) has become the standard way to protect your online accounts. It’s easy to set up and can be used in a process called two-factor authentication (2FA), which is available on popular services like Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.

The app (iOS/Android creates a random code that is used to verify your identity when you log into different services. Technically, the code can be sent to your phone every time via text message, but the Google Authenticator app adds an extra layer of security.

How to set-up Google Authenticator on Android Phone

1. The first thing you need to do is set up your first account. You can do this either by scanning a setup code or entering the setup key that’s provided to you on the settings page of the service.
2. In order to set up 2FA for your account, log in and head over to the settings page of the web service you’re trying to secure. You need to enable 2FA on this screen if you haven’t already, so be sure to do that.
3. Once done, simply locate the Authenticator app option within the page, and select it to begin the setup process.
4. You’ll now see a QR code that you need to scan after selecting the Scan a QR code option on the app.
5. Once you scan, you’ll see a 6-digit code in the app that you need to enter on the settings page of the service to enable Google authenticator login.

Set up Google Authenticator for iPhone and iPad

1. Download Google Authenticator from the App Store to your device. It is free to download.
2. Sign into whatever service you want to enable 2FA for, and attempt to set it up. This could be an option in account settings under a section marked “security” and an option offering to “set up two-factor authentication,” for example, but this will vary between services.
3. When asked, you should select to use an authenticator app. You may be recommended to use specific authenticator app, so check that Google Authenticator is on that list.
4. Once presented with either a QR code or an authenticator key, open Google Authenticator on your iPhone or iPad.
5. If this is your first addition to the app, you will be asked how you want to add the code directly. Otherwise, select the plus symbol in the bottom-right of the screen.
6. If a QR code is presented to you in the site or app you’re setting up 2FA for, select Scan a QR Code, then use your device’s camera to scan the code.
7. If a key is offered, enter in the account name (usually the relevant email address) and the key provided to you on-screen. Make sure to select whether it is Time-based or Counter-based if the account system advises as such, otherwise leave it to Time-based.
8. You will then be asked to confirm that the authentication system has worked. Enter the six–digit code appearing on your device’s screen into the app or service you’re setting 2FA with as confirmation.

Why use an authenticator app?

It might seem easier to get a code through SMS or a clickable link in an email, but it’s safer to use an authenticator app that keeps track of and shows all your codes. This is because third parties can easily get your text messages and emails. Apps like Google Authenticator that act as authenticators make new 2FA passcodes every 30 seconds or so.

It’s great that you don’t even need an internet connection to make these codes. If you don’t want to enter a code, some services let you confirm a prompt that shows up on your phone instead. Some services, like those from Adobe, may even require you to download an extra app to verify your identity.

How does Google Authenticator work?

You can often choose to use two-factor authentication on many modern apps and some websites (also known as 2FA). This is usually in the security or login settings, and when it’s turned on, it adds a second step to the process of logging in.

When everything is set up, the next time you log in to the app or service, you’ll need to enter not only your username and password, but also a code generated by the Google Authenticator app that will only work for a short time.

Google Authenticator is one of many two-factor authentication (2FA) apps, and it’s the one most apps and services use. It’s free and easy to use, and you can get it right away on any Android phone or iPhone.