The LinkedIn authenticator app provides an extra layer of security when logging into your LinkedIn account. Instead of just using your username and password, the authenticator app generates a unique 6-digit code that you need to enter in addition to your username and password. This helps protect your account from unauthorized access.
To use the LinkedIn authenticator app, you first need to download it on your mobile device from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, you can link the app to your LinkedIn account by scanning a QR code from the LinkedIn website. So how exactly do you get this QR code to link the authenticator app to your account? Here are the steps:
On the LinkedIn Website
1. Log into your LinkedIn account on the website (www.linkedin.com).
2. Click on your profile picture at the top right and select Settings & Privacy.
3. On the left sidebar, click on Security.
4. Under the Two-step verification section, click on Set up next to Authenticator app.
5. On the Authenticator app setup page, click on the Get authenticator app button. This will take you to the app store to download the app if you don’t already have it.
6. Once you’ve downloaded the app, go back to the setup page on LinkedIn.
7. You should now see a QR code on the screen.
On the LinkedIn Mobile App
You can also get the QR code to link your authenticator app through the LinkedIn mobile app:
1. Open the LinkedIn app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on your profile picture at the top left.
3. Tap on Settings.
4. Tap on Security.
5. Under Two-step verification, tap on Set up authenticator.
6. On the next screen, tap on Get started.
7. This will display the QR code that you need to scan with your authenticator app.
So in summary, the QR code is displayed on the LinkedIn website under Settings & Privacy > Security > Authenticator App Setup. And on the LinkedIn mobile app, it’s under your profile icon > Settings > Security > Set Up Authenticator.
Scanning this QR code with the LinkedIn Authenticator app links the app to your LinkedIn account so it can generate 6-digit verification codes when logging in.
Why Use Two-Step Verification?
Enabling two-step verification with the authenticator app provides some major security benefits for your LinkedIn account:
Prevents Unauthorized Access
The 6-digit code from the authenticator app is required in addition to your password when logging in. This means a hacker needs access to both your password and the authenticator app to gain entry. Having two layers of protection makes your account much more secure.
Codes Are Time-Based
The verification codes from the authenticator app change every 30 seconds. So even if a hacker somehow gets ahold of one of your codes, it will expire quickly and become useless.
No Need for Cell Service or WiFi
The authenticator app generates codes offline. So you can get verification codes even without cell service or WiFi. This prevents you from getting locked out of your account if you don’t have connectivity.
Works Without Receiving SMS
Some two-step verification methods rely on sending SMS text messages. These can be intercepted by hackers. The authenticator app does not require receiving texts, so there’s no risk of interception.
Easy to Use
The LinkedIn authenticator app is very quick and easy to use. Just open the app, and your current 6-digit code appears. No need to wait for or enter text messages.
How to Get the LinkedIn Authenticator App
Getting the LinkedIn authenticator app only takes a few quick steps:
On Your iPhone
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Search for “LinkedIn Authenticator”.
3. Tap on the LinkedIn Authenticator app result.
4. Tap on Get to download the app for free.
5. Once downloaded, open the app.
On Your Android Phone
1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Search for “LinkedIn Authenticator”.
3. Tap on the LinkedIn Authenticator app result.
4. Tap on Install to download the app for free.
5. After downloading, open the LinkedIn Authenticator app.
Once you have the app installed, you can scan the QR code from LinkedIn to link the app to your account (steps covered above). The app will then start generating 6-digit verification codes.
From the LinkedIn Website
When you go through the process of enabling two-step verification on the LinkedIn website, there is a “Get authenticator app” button that will take you directly to the App Store or Google Play Store to download the official app. This helps ensure you get the legitimate LinkedIn authenticator app.
Downloading the app directly from the app stores or through LinkedIn’s website is recommended over getting it from other websites to avoid fake or compromised apps. Only install the authenticator app using the official channels.
How to Scan the QR Code
Once you have downloaded the official LinkedIn Authenticator app, you need to scan the QR code to link the app to your LinkedIn account. Here is how to scan the QR code:
On an iPhone
1. Locate the QR code on the LinkedIn website or mobile app per the instructions above.
2. Open the LinkedIn Authenticator app on your iPhone.
3. The app will prompt you to scan a QR code. Point your iPhone camera at the QR code on the screen.
4. The app will automatically scan the QR code. You’ll see a confirmation message when successfully scanned.
On an Android Phone
1. Find the QR code on LinkedIn.
2. Open the authenticator app on your Android.
3. Tap on the + icon in the upper right corner.
4. Select “Scan QR Code”.
5. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code until it scans.
6. Tap OK to confirm the link to your LinkedIn account.
The QR code will only need to be scanned once to activate the authenticator app for your account. After that, the app will continually generate 6-digit codes independently that you can use to verify your identity when logging into LinkedIn.
Troubleshooting Tips
QR Code Not Scanning?
– Ensure good lighting conditions and steady hands when lining up the QR code in the camera view.
– Try cleaning the camera lens which could have dirt or oil obstructing the scanning.
– Attempt to enlarge the QR code on the screen before scanning.
– Make sure to use the native camera app not the authenticator app camera when scanning.
Codes Not Generating?
– Check that you have scanned the correct QR code from the LinkedIn setup process. Scanning the wrong code can link the app to the wrong account.
– Restarting the phone and app can help if there is a software glitch.
– Make sure Bluetooth is enabled, which is required for the app to generate codes.
– Reinstalling the app may be necessary if it has encountered a critical error.
Two-Step Verification Not Enabling?
– Double check you completed all steps in the LinkedIn setup process and properly scanned the QR code.
– Ensure you are entering the 6-digit codes into the verification field within the 30 second validity window.
– There may be an issue if your LinkedIn account is associated with a corporate domain. Your company’s IT department may need to enable the two-step verification feature.
Incorrect Code Error?
– Make sure to only use the latest code shown in the authenticator app. Previous codes expire after 30 seconds.
– Check that the app time matches the current time. If incorrect, try syncing to update.
– Codes are device-specific. Make sure you are using the app on the same device you originally scanned the QR code with.
Security Tips
To get the most security from the LinkedIn authenticator app, keep these tips in mind:
Protect Your Mobile Device
Keep your mobile device containing the authenticator app secure, as anyone who accesses it could approve logins. Set up a passcode, fingerprint lock or face unlock. Avoid accessing LinkedIn from public computers.
Turn On App Lock
The app features an optional passcode lock in its settings. Turn this on to add another layer of protection for generating codes.
Don’t Give Out Verification Codes
Never share your 6-digit verification codes with anyone, including LinkedIn support staff. Valid codes should only be entered on LinkedIn when logging into your own account.
Change Passwords Frequently
Update your LinkedIn password every few months to maintain high security even if two-step verification is enabled. Don’t reuse the same password on multiple sites.
Be Wary of Suspicious Links
Cybercriminals may try to trick you into visiting fake login pages to steal your username, password and verification codes. Double check web addresses and use bookmarks instead of clicking links.
Monitor LinkedIn Activity
Periodically review your LinkedIn account activity for any unauthorized posts, messages or connection requests, which could indicate that a hacker has accessed your account.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn authenticator app adds crucial second layer protection to your account security. Follow the steps to download the official app, scan the QR code from LinkedIn, and start generating time-based verification codes. Enabling two-step verification blocks hackers even if they have your password. Just be sure to keep your mobile device and app secure at all times. With the authenticator app activated, you can rest assured your professional identity and connections are safe from compromise.
