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How to Set up Google Authenticator
The easy way to stay safe and secure
By Mark Thomas Knapp Mark Thomas Knapp Writer University of Michigan Mark Knapp has been a technology feature writer since 2012. His work has appeared in publications such as The Cheat Sheet and TechRadar. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 25, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section How Does Google Authenticator Work How to Get Google Authenticator Enable Two-Factor Authentication Set up Google Authenticator How to Use Google Authenticator to Log In What to Know
First, ensure two-factor authentication is active in the app you want to protect. You'll receive a barcode or passkey.Then, in Authenticator, select Begin and either scan the code or enter the passkey.To log in, enter your username and password in the app, and then enter the passkey from Google Authenticator. This article will tell you how to add an account to Google Authenticator and log in with two-factor authentication. How Does Google Authenticator Work
In many cases, the one-time access code can be texted to a phone number associated with your account, but the Google Authenticator app can provide those codes on your smartphone instead. These codes ensure no one else has access to your accounts, as a third-party would not only need your password but also access to your phone to log in — something remote hackers are unlikely to get their hands on. Google Authenticator works across Google’s services, as well as a wide variety of other online accounts, including Slack. How to Get Google Authenticator
The first thing you need to do is download the Google Authenticator app for your mobile device: For iOS devices, download the Google Authenticator app from the App Store. For Android devices, download the Google Authenticator app from the Play Store. Google Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Accounts
You’ll need to activate two-factor authentication for the online services you want to use with Google Authenticator. The steps to do this will be specific to your service, so see the service’s guidance on enabling two-factor authentication. It may be listed as 2FA, and often can be found during the sign-in process. Once you've enabled two-factor authentication for your account, you can move on to the next process for linking your account to your authenticator app. To link Google Authenticator with your Google account, specifically, go to Google's setup page for two-factor authentication, which will let you link the two. However, you don't need to enable this if you only want to use Google Authenticator with different services. How to Set up Google Authenticator With Your Accounts
With the two-factor authentication setup page open for your desired service, and your Google Authenticator app running on your mobile device, you're ready to get everything set up. Locate the key or bar code provided by your online account. Tap Begin in the Google Authenticator app or tap the + if you've already linked another account. Enter an account name and the key from your online account or scan the bar code into the Google Authenticator with the built-in scanner. Your account will automatically link. How to Use Google Authenticator to Log In
Once you have Google Authenticator linked with your accounts, it's simple to use when you want to log into those accounts. Sign in to your account normally using your username and password. You'll then be prompted to complete the two-factor authentication you've set up with Google Authenticator. Open the Google Authenticator app on your phone, find the correct account, and note the number provided by the app. Quickly return to the login screen and enter the number from your Google Authenticator app to complete the login process. The code regularly changes after a short amount of time, indicated by a time wheel in the Google Authenticator app. Make sure the code you're entering online still appears on your phone when you enter it. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Passkeys on iPhone, iPad, or Mac 10 Popular Accounts That Should Have Two-Factor Authentication Enabled How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password How to Use the Microsoft Authenticator App How to Set Up a New Android Phone How to Set Up and Use Microsoft 365 MFA How to Use Two Step Verification (2FA) in WhatsApp How to Use Two-Factor Authentication in iOS 15 How to Set Up a New Android From an Old Phone How to Turn on Gmail Two-Factor Authentication How to Turn on Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook How to Change Your Facebook Password How to Turn on Google Two Factor Authentication How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App What to Do When Facebook Isn't Sending Security Codes How to Run a Google Security Checkup Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies