Many online services now require two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security beyond just a password. 2FA requires you to provide two forms of identification when logging in – typically your password plus a one-time code generated by an authenticator app on your smartphone. This prevents anyone else from accessing your account even if they have your password.
One of the most widely used authenticator apps is Google Authenticator. It’s free, easy to set up, and works with most major online services. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add an account to Google Authenticator:
Step 1: Install the Google Authenticator app
Google Authenticator is available for both iOS and Android. Simply search for “Google Authenticator” in the App Store or Google Play Store and install it on your device. The app icon looks like a white lock on a green background.
Step 2: Add an account to the app
When you’re prompted to set up 2FA by a service, choose the option for authentication apps (rather than text message codes). You’ll then be given a QR code or secret key to add that account to your authenticator app.
In Google Authenticator, tap the plus icon to add an account. If you have a QR code, just point your phone’s camera at it and the account will be added automatically. If you only have a secret key, tap “Enter a provided key” and type it in manually.
Repeat this process for each online account you want to add. Your authenticator app will generate 6-digit codes for each one.
Step 3: Generate login codes
When logging into an account with 2FA enabled, just open Google Authenticator and it will display the current login code for that service. Enter this code on the website or app you’re accessing along with your password, and you’ll be securely logged in.
The code refreshes every 30 seconds, so be sure to enter it right away. You can tap on any account in the Authenticator app to reveal its current code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use the Google Authenticator app for 2FA?
Google Authenticator provides an easy and secure way to implement 2FA across all your online accounts. Unlike text message codes, it doesn’t rely on your phone number remaining private. The randomly generated codes are accessible only through the app on your smartphone. This makes it much harder for hackers to break into your accounts.
What happens if I lose my phone or get a new one?
If you lose your phone or get a new device, you’ll need to set up Google Authenticator again and re-add all your accounts. This is why it’s important to keep the original secret keys or QR codes that services provide when you first enable 2FA. You can scan these again in your authenticator app to re-add each account.
Some services also provide backup codes you can use as a one-time replacement for your authenticator app. Make sure you keep these codes in a safe place in case you ever lose access to your smartphone.
Can I use other authenticator apps like Authy?
Yes, there are other authenticator apps like Authy, Duo Mobile, and LastPass Authenticator that work similarly to Google Authenticator. Just look for the option to use an “authentication app” when setting up 2FA on a service, and then scan the QR code or enter the key into the app of your choice.
The process for generating codes is essentially the same across all TOTP (time-based one time password) authenticator apps. Just choose the one you’re most comfortable with using.
Is it safe to use Google Authenticator?
Yes, Google Authenticator is considered very safe and is trusted by security experts. The codes are generated locally on your device without being transmitted over the internet. As long as you keep your smartphone secure, your 2FA codes remain inaccessible to hackers.
Some key points about Google Authenticator’s security:
– It uses open source, industry standard time-based algorithm to generate codes
– Doesn’t rely on SMS, which can be intercepted
– Codes work offline and are time-limited
– If your phone is lost/stolen, accounts cannot be accessed without new device registration
Can I use Google Authenticator on multiple devices at once?
Unfortunately, you can only use Google Authenticator actively on one mobile device at a time per account. This is for security – it prevents the same live 2FA codes from ending up on multiple devices.
However, you can switch what device is actively being used or set up a new active device at any time by scanning the QR codes again and going through registration. The old device will then stop producing valid codes. So you can maintain codes on both a smartphone and a tablet if needed, just not simultaneously.
Some authenticator apps like Authy do allow multiple device syncing, but this comes with some security tradeoffs. For optimal security, it’s best to use Google Authenticator on one device only.
How to Set Up 2FA on Popular Websites
Here are simple steps for enabling 2FA using Google Authenticator on some of the top websites:
Gmail
1. Go to your Google Account settings
2. Select “Security”
3. Under “Signing in to Google”, choose 2-Step Verification and select Authenticator app
4. Follow prompts to scan QR code or enter key into app
5. Use codes from Authenticator along with password to log in
1. Click top right arrow icon > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login
2. Choose Use two-factor authentication and select Authenticator app
3. Click Add Account and scan QR code or enter key
4. Enter 6-digit codes when prompted at login
1. Go to Settings and Privacy > Security and Account Access > Security > Two-factor authentication
2. Select Authentication app and follow setup instructions
3. New codes will be needed when logging in or taking certain account actions
Microsoft
1. Sign in and go to account.microsoft.com/security
2. Under More security options, choose Set up two-step verification
3. Select Authenticator app, scan barcode, then provide code shown in app
4. Use app code + password when prompted to securely sign in
Apple
1. Tap your profile picture > Password & Security > Turn on Two-Factor Authentication
2. Select Authentication App and follow steps to scan QR code
3. Provide generated codes when prompted after entering Apple ID password
Dropbox
1. Log in to dropbox.com, go to Settings > Security
2. Scroll down and enable Two-step verification
3. Choose Require two-step verification to use third party authenticator apps
4. Scan barcode or enter key into Google Authenticator
5. Enter 6-digit codes at login along with your password
Troubleshooting Google Authenticator
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues with Google Authenticator:
Codes not working
– Make sure time on your phone is accurate – codes based on time intervals
– Check that account is added and activated in Authenticator
– Try refreshing codes by pulling down on app screen
– If still not working, account may have been disconnected, need to re-register
Lost phone
– Use backup codes if provided by service when first enabling 2FA
– Go through 2FA setup again on new phone using original QR codes
– Contact service provider to remove 2FA if codes unavailable
New phone
– Install Authenticator and scan QR codes again from each service
– Transferring data/backup from old phone won’t restore app due to security reasons
Removed app
– 2FA still required on accounts, need to reinstall Authenticator
– Scan QR codes again to re-add accounts and generate codes
– Alternatively, disable 2FA on accounts through providers
Unsynchronized time
– Authenticator relies on accurate device time to create valid codes
– Ensure automatic time sync enabled in phone Date & Time settings
– Manually set time accurately if needed
Conclusion
Adding accounts to the Google Authenticator app is quick and easy – just scan a QR code or enter the provided key during 2FA setup. This allows you to generate secure one-time codes that provide an additional layer of protection beyond passwords alone. With more websites implementing 2FA, using an authenticator app helps keep your online accounts safe from unauthorized access.
Remember to always keep your smartphone secure, be sure to save the account setup keys, and take the necessary steps if you ever switch devices or reinstall the authenticator app. Follow the instructions specific to each online service to enable 2FA and integrate with Google Authenticator. Enabling this simple extra step can save you from a lot of account headache down the road!
