How to use Google Authenticator

How to use Google Authenticator

Below is a details guide about how to download, activate and use Google Authenticator.

Google Authenticator is available for both Android and iOS. While there isn't a dedicated app for desktops/la[tops, you can use it on a laptop by downloading it on said Android and iOS devices and use it to generate and scan codes, which you can use on your laptop.

Downloading Google Authenticator
As mentioned above, Google Authenticator is available for both iOS and Android devices.

For Android:
  1. Open Google Play Store
  2. Search Google Authenticator
  3. Install the app
For iOS:
  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search Google Authenticator
  3. Install the app

Setting up Google Authenticator
After you have downloaded and installed Google Authenticator, you will ned to configure it for use for the services and websites that support 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication).

Here is a rundown on how to set it up:

1. Open Google Authenticator
  1. Open the Google Authenticator app on your chosen device.
  2. When the app is opened for the first time, you will see an option to begin set up
2. Add your account to Google Authenticator
You can add the accounts from your websites and services you're using either manually or by scanning the QR code (Quick Response Code) shown on the screen, the later being the most common method.

Method 1: Entering a Manual Key
  1. On the setup page, choose the option to enter a manual setup key.
  2. In the Google Authenticator app, press on the + button, then select the option, 'Enter a setup key'.
  3. Enter the manual key provided by the website or service you are using as well as any required account information such as an account name or email.
  4. Tap add.
Method 2: Scan a QR code
  1. Log into the website/service you're trying to secure on a device.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This is typically found in the security or 2FA settings. You'll likely be given options to setup 2FA using SMS (Short Message Service), Authentication App etc.
  3. Choose the Authenticator App option when prompted. This will usually show the QR code you need.
  4. As shown in the other method, tap the + button and 'Begin Setup', Choose scan QR code, and using the device you have the Google Authenticator installed on and point your camera at the code displayed. This will add the account to Google Authenticator.

Using Google Authenticator for Login
Once you have finished the setup, you can now use Google Authenticator to log in to the website/service you just setup with 2FA. Below is a step by step guide on how to do this:

  1. Enter your login details (username/email and password) on the website/service you'd like to log into.
  2. Once you have logged in, you will be prompted to enter a authenticator code.
  3. Open Google Authenticator on the device you installed it on.
  4. Find the code that is linked to the account you're trying to log into. This code will be valid for a short period of time so try and use it as quickly as possible.
  5. Enter the code from the Google Authenticator app into the website or service you're logging into.
  6. Once the code has been entered correctly, you will have full access to your account.

Backup and Recovery
It is always a good idea to set up recovery options in case there's an occasion where you cant use your phone or lose your phone. 

Backup codes are used in case you lose access to the Google Authenticator app, with these codes normally displayed when you first set up 2FA. Storing these codes is important as its the easiest way to access your account if you were ever in a situation where you couldn't use the device that has Google Authenticator installed on it. The best way to store these are to write them down somewhere safe, take a picture, download then onto another device you own and a USB drive that is used by you.

Troubleshooting
Sometimes 'Time Sync' issues may arise. To overcome this, try going onto your settings on the device with Google Authenticator installed on it, and adjust the time settings to Automatic.