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When you need an extra layer of security for your data, Google Authenticator is a very useful app. Google Authenticator is still only available on mobile devices, but how to Use Google Authenticator protocol can be used in other ways.
When it comes to two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, you can use the Google Authenticator or a third-party app that makes Google 2FA codes for apps or online accounts. For two-factor authentication (2FA), these apps use Google’s secret authentication code. This works for apps or online accounts that use Google Authenticator.
How to Use Google Authenticator On Windows
- To find the secret code for your Google account, open the Google account website. In the left-hand menu, select Security.
- In the Security area of the Google account website, scroll down to the Signing in to Google section, then select the 2-Step Verification option. You may need to sign in again at this point.
- If you haven’t already enabled 2FA with a mobile device previously, you’ll need to follow the on-screen instructions to do so on the 2-Step Verification page. Once this is done, scroll down to the Authenticator app section, then select Set Up to begin.
- In the pop-up menu, select either Android or iPhone, as the option doesn’t matter. Select Next to continue.
- At the next stage, you’ll see a QR code that you’d typically need to scan. You won’t be doing this, however, so select the Can’t Scan It? option instead.
- The secret code for your Google account will appear in the box below, in a combination of 32 letters and numbers. Write this down or make a suitable copy of it, then select Next to continue. Keep this page open, as you’ll need it to complete the setup process afterwards.
Use Google Authenticator On Android
- 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.
- 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.
- Once done, simply locate the Authenticator app option within the page, and select it to begin the setup process.
- You’ll now see a QR code that you need to scan after selecting the Scan a QR code option on the app.
- 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.
Steps to Use Google Authenticator On iPhone and iPad
- Download Google Authenticator from the App Store to your device. It is free to download.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once presented with either a QR code or an authenticator key, open Google Authenticator on your iPhone or iPad.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is becoming more and more common. Due to how easy it is to use and how much it can improve your security, many online platforms are telling us to use it on our online accounts.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) uses a username and password along with something else. That could be a dongle that gives you a code to put on the login screen, a text message with a code sent to your phone, or something else. You are already using 2FA if you use online banking or have a Blizzard Authenticator.
How Does Google Authenticator Work?
In many cases, the one-time access code can be texted to a phone number associated with your account. However, the Google Authenticator app can give you these codes on your phone instead. These codes make sure that no one else can get into your accounts.
To log in, a third party would need both your password and your phone, which is hard for hackers to get their hands on. Google Authenticator works with all of Google’s services and a large number of other online accounts, such as Slack.
FAQs
A QR code appears to help you set up an authenticator app. On iPhone, use the camera to scan the QR code. On iPhone, select your account for the website or app. A verification code appears below the User Name and Password fields.
The barcode won’t scan with my Authy or Google Authenticator app. Try turning off your phone and turning it back on. If this doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the scanner app (this doesn’t apply to Apple iOS). Try scanning the barcode again after you turn on the mobile device again.