How to Set Up Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator can help secure your login access to any website or service. It’s a 2FA app that allows you to log in only using the 2FA code given by the app. Here’s how to set up Google Authenticator.

You know that two-factor authentication is way safer than an SMS message. That’s why there’s an app like Google Authenticator and it is getting more popular. But if you don’t know how it works, you can learn it in summary here.

How two-factor authentication works

Two-factor authentication is a replacement for SMS verification. The difference is that two-factor authentication using an app like Google Authenticator uses a verification code that only lasts 30 seconds then generates again for every 30 seconds.

Google Authenticator can be used to any serviced or website, as long as the website or service itself supports it. Once you logged in to a website, you have to put the 2FA code generated on the Google Authenticator as soon as possible.

If you don’t like Google Authenticator, you can set up Microsoft Authenticator instead. Google Authenticator

How to set up Google Authenticator (for Google account)

Setting up Google Authenticator is easy. All you have to do is just download and install the app. Then follow the instruction of the service or website that you are going to connect Google Authenticator for, like Lastpass. But this post will talk about setting up Google Authenticator for Google account.

To do this, simply go to the Security section of Google Account page. On Signing in to Google, simply click the 2-Step Verification.

Then, enter your password to confirm. Click Next.

At Authenticator app, click Set up.

Choose which phone you have. Click Next.

Now, open your Google Authenticator app, then scan the barcode that shows on your computer screen.

To scan, simply click the red + button on Google Authenticator.

Tap Scan a barcode.

Then, scan the barcode. Once succeed, you will see a new account on your Google Authenticator app that is followed by your email address.

You will need to verify the 2FA. Simply put the 2FA code showing on your Google Authenticator that is followed by your email address. Click Verify.

If succeed, you will see the “Authenticator on Android” and “Added” message.

To give yourself a sense of relief, you may need to try logging in to your Google account on a new private/incognito tab.

Enter your email address. Click Next.

Then enter the password. Click Next.

If you have connected your phone to your Google account or have used another type of verification, you may see this. Click Try another way to test the two-factor authentication on Google Authenticator.

Here, simply click Get a verification code from the Google Authenticator app.

Put the 2FA code from the Google Authenticator. Click Next.

You should’ve successfully logged in to your Google account using the 2FA method. If you don’t, you may enter the code that has expired. Wait for the code to be generated again and put it as soon as it generates.