How to set up Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is one of the simplest and most convenient tools to protect your Google account against unwanted access by third parties. It generates a code in-app that you enter when logging in to a Google account. We show you how to set up Google Authenticator.

1. Download the app from the app store. Open it and scan the QR code to set up a new account.
2. On your computer, click “2-step verification” in the Security section of your Google account.
3. In the “Authenticator App”, click “Turn on” and follow the instructions in the pop-up until you get to the QR code.
4. Scan the code with the app on your smartphone and enter the displayed six-digit code in the input field in the pop-up on your computer.
5. Confirm the entry.

Follow these steps to enable 2-step verification:

1. Sign into your Google account and navigate to the “2-step verification” section in “Security” (the check mark is automatically set to “Off”).
2. Slide it to “On” and verify your selection by entering your Google account password.
3. Select your cell phone and confirm the selection. You will receive a code via SMS.
4. Enter the verification code. You can select whether you wish to receive future verification codes by phone call or SMS.
5. Confirm your entry.

Google Authenticator is an app provided by Google that lets you protect your Google account from identity theft or other forms of misuse. Over recent years, email and Internet service providers have worked on ways to improve the security of user accounts and their data.

So-called two-factor authentication is now standard - i.e. you no longer log in to your email service or other online accounts using only a password, but require a secondary security factor to log in. This often takes the form of a cell phone. In many cases two-factor authentication involves receiving a code sent via SMS, which is entered into your online account to prove your identity.

The Google Authenticator app works in a similar manner. Once you have linked your Google account to your smartphone, you can use it to retrieve a six-digit code that you have to enter when logging in to Google (in addition to your chosen password). The app works even if your phone is offline. It is available for Android smartphones and Apple iPhones.

Once you have set up Authenticator, the app will keep generating new codes at short intervals, which you enter when prompted in the course of logging in to your Google account.

Generally, two-factor authentication is a significant improvement over simply entering a password. Logging in with the help of the Authenticator app is a secure alternative compared to automated one-off SMS codes. However, much like one-time passcodes (OTP) and time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) authentication apps have one weakness: they do not prohibit screenshots, which technically could allow unauthorized third parties access by capturing codes when accessing your phone.

That’s a well-established problem and is not unique to Google. Other well-known authentication app makers are well aware too. However, as one of the largest and best-known providers of such authenticator apps, Google continues to work on a solution to fix the issue.