What is Google Authenticator?

Google Authenticator is a free app from Google that adds extra security to your online accounts. Every 30 seconds, the app generates a new six-digit code that you use to sign in to websites and apps. This is called two-step verification, or 2FA. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot sign in without the code from your Authenticator app.

The app works completely offline and does not need an internet connection to generate codes. That makes Google Authenticator more reliable and more secure than verification codes sent by text message, which can be intercepted.

Why use Google Authenticator?

There are several reasons why millions of people around the world use Google Authenticator to secure their accounts.

Advantages of Google Authenticator

  • Completely free: The app costs nothing to download and use.
  • Works offline: No internet connection needed to generate codes.
  • Easy to use: A simple interface without unnecessary features.
  • Widely supported: Works with thousands of websites and apps.
  • Fast and reliable: Codes are generated instantly, without delay.

Disadvantages to keep in mind

  • No cloud backup: If you lose your phone, you have to set up all your accounts again.
  • No export to other devices: You cannot easily move the app to a new phone.
  • Limited features: None of the extra options that some competing apps offer.

Downloading and installing Google Authenticator

The first step is downloading the app on your smartphone. Google Authenticator is available for both Android and iPhone.

For Android users

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
  2. Tap the search bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Type "Google Authenticator" and search.
  4. Look for the app with the Google logo and the name "Google Authenticator".
  5. Tap "Install" and wait for the download to finish.
  6. Tap "Open" to launch the app.

For iPhone users

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the "Search" tab at the bottom.
  3. Type "Google Authenticator" in the search bar.
  4. Tap the app in the search results.
  5. Tap "Get" or the cloud icon to install it.
  6. You may need to use your Apple ID password or Face ID/Touch ID.
  7. Open the app once the installation is complete.

Adding your first account to Google Authenticator

Now that the app is installed, you can start adding accounts. We will show you how this works using a Google Account as an example.

Step 1: Turn on two-step verification for your Google Account

  1. Open a web browser on your computer or phone.
  2. Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with your Google Account.
  3. In the left-hand menu, click "Security".
  4. Scroll down until you see "2-Step Verification".
  5. Click "2-Step Verification" and follow the instructions to turn it on.
  6. Choose "Authenticator app" as your verification method.

Step 2: Scan the QR code

  1. Google now shows a QR code on your screen.
  2. Open the Google Authenticator app on your phone.
  3. Tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom right of the app.
  4. Choose "Scan a QR code".
  5. Point your camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
  6. The app recognizes the code automatically and adds the account.
  1. In the app, you will now see your Google Account with a six-digit code.
  2. Enter this code on the website to confirm that everything works.
  3. Click "Verify" or "Next".
  4. Your Google Account is now protected with Google Authenticator.

Adding other accounts

You can use Google Authenticator for almost any service that supports two-step verification. The process is similar for all websites.

  • Facebook: Go to Settings > Security and login > Two-factor authentication.
  • Instagram: Go to Settings > Security > Two-factor authentication.
  • Microsoft accounts: Go to account.microsoft.com > Security > More security options.
  • Amazon: Go to Account > Login & security > Two-step verification.
  • Dropbox: Go to Settings > Security > Two-step verification.
  • Twitter/X: Go to Settings > Security > Two-factor authentication.

The general process for any service

  1. Sign in to the website or app where you want to turn on 2FA.
  2. Go to your account's security settings.
  3. Look for two-step verification or authenticator app.
  4. Choose to add an authenticator app.
  5. Scan the QR code with Google Authenticator.
  6. Confirm with the generated code.

Using codes when you sign in

From now on, the protected service will ask for a verification code whenever you sign in.

How the sign-in process works

  1. Enter your username and password as usual.
  2. The website asks for your verification code.
  3. Open Google Authenticator on your phone.
  4. Find the right account in the list.
  5. Read the six-digit code.
  6. Note: the code changes every 30 seconds. You will see a small timer to the right of the code.
  7. Enter the code on the website before it expires.
  8. You are now signed in.

Tips for signing in smoothly

  • Keep your phone within reach when you are about to sign in.
  • If the timer is almost up, wait a moment for a new code.
  • Most services remember your device, so you do not have to enter a code every time.

Managing accounts in Google Authenticator

As you add more accounts, it becomes important to keep them organized.

Renaming accounts

  1. Press and hold the account you want to rename.
  2. Tap the pencil icon to edit it.
  3. Change the name to something you will recognize.
  4. Tap "Save".

Removing accounts

  1. Press and hold the account you want to remove.
  2. Tap the trash can icon.
  3. Confirm that you want to remove the account.
  4. Note: turn off 2FA on the related website first, before you remove the account from the app.

Reordering accounts

Some versions of Google Authenticator let you drag accounts to change their order. Put the accounts you use most at the top for easy access.

What to do when you get a new phone

When you get a new phone, you need to move Google Authenticator over to it. This takes some preparation.

Method 1: Export accounts (newer versions)

  1. Open Google Authenticator on your old phone.
  2. Tap the three dots at the top right.
  3. Choose "Transfer accounts".
  4. Select "Export accounts".
  5. Choose which accounts you want to transfer.
  6. A QR code appears.
  7. Install Google Authenticator on your new phone.
  8. Choose "Transfer accounts" > "Import accounts".
  9. Scan the QR code from your old phone.

Method 2: Set up accounts again

If the export does not work, you have to set up each account again manually:

  1. Sign in to every website where you use 2FA.
  2. Go to the security settings.
  3. Turn off the current authenticator.
  4. Add a new authenticator.
  5. Scan the QR code with your new phone.

Important security advice

To avoid problems, there are a few important things to remember.

Keep your recovery codes

Most services give you recovery codes when you set up 2FA. These are one-time codes you can use if you do not have access to your phone. Store these codes safely:

  • Print them and keep them in a safe.
  • Save them in a password manager.
  • Do not store them unprotected on your computer.

Take a screenshot of QR codes

Some people take a screenshot of the QR code during setup. This is handy for setting things up again later, but make sure you keep these screenshots safe and encrypted.

Use a backup method

If possible, also set up a second verification method, such as text message verification. That gives you an alternative if you cannot access the app.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I lose my phone?

Use the recovery codes you received when you set up 2FA. Don't have them? Then contact the customer service of the service in question. You will probably need to prove your identity through an alternative method. Once you have access again, set up 2FA again right away on your new phone.

Can I use Google Authenticator on multiple devices?

Yes, you can add the same account to Google Authenticator on multiple devices by scanning the same QR code during setup. This is useful as a backup, but it also increases the risk if one of the devices falls into the wrong hands.

The code does not work. What now?

First, check that the time on your phone is set correctly. Google Authenticator relies on the correct time to generate codes. Go to the app's settings and tap "Time correction for codes". If that does not help, try removing the account and adding it again.

Is Google Authenticator the best authenticator app?

Google Authenticator is a reliable and simple app, but it has no cloud backup. Alternatives such as Authy or Microsoft Authenticator do offer backup options, which can be useful if you switch phones often or use multiple devices.

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