How To Set Up Google Authenticator

Do you want to know how to set up Google Authenticator for extra security?

Google Authenticator is a free security app that can protect your accounts against password theft. It’s easy to set up and can be used in a process called two-factor authentication (2FA) offered on popular services like Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.

The app generates a random code used to verify your identity when you’re logging into various services. The code can technically be sent to your phone via text message every time, but the Google Authenticator app provides an extra level of security.

What is Google Authenticator?

Google Authenticator is a mobile security application based on two-factor authentication (2FA) that helps to verify user identities before granting them access to websites and services.

Two-factor authentication makes it less likely that an intruder can masquerade as an authorized user. Authentication factors are categories of credentials used to verify that someone or something is who or what they are declared to be.

How does Google Authenticator work?

Authenticator works for any site or service that has enabled two-factor authentication. Like most web-based 2FA applications, the system combines knowledge and possession features.

To access websites or web-based services, the user types in his normal username and password and then enter a one-time passcode (OTP) that was delivered to his device, triggered by the login. That combination verifies that the same person entering login data on the site is in possession of the device to which the Google Authenticator app was downloaded.

Passwords may be easy to crack or otherwise steal but because the vast majority of exploits are conducted via the Internet, it is unlikely that the hacker also has access to the user’s physical device.

Why do I need it?

We see a great shift in working from physical environments to digital settings. So, security and privacy are becoming significant issues. If an intruder knows your password, your information and digital identity are at risk. Therefore, adding another layer and a password helps you guard against online fraud and theft.

So, why do we need google authenticator account details when a simple text message can add another layer of security? What will you do if you are protected by text messages, but your phone is out of access?

Yes, such things happen, and you need some solution; the answer to this problem is the Google authenticator app.

It does not require your phone to generate the code, and you also do not have to reveal your phone number to any websites. It even works in airplane mode. I think we have made a pretty convincing case for Google Authenticator, so let us move on to how to set up google-authenticator.

How do I Set Up Google Authenticator?

Google authenticator is a pretty simple application that works on both Android and iOS, so we can discuss the installation and setup procedure separately to avoid any misunderstanding.

How to Setup Google Authenticator on Android

• Step 1: Download the application from the Google Play store and install it on your Android device.

• Step 2: Once the installation is complete, click on the “Begin” button to start.

• Step 3: You can set up your Google Authenticator account details on your Google account. Otherwise, skip this step.

• Step 4: Now, configure your Google authenticator account using any of the two ways. You can either scan the barcode or enter the key, and I find scanning easier as you open up your camera and scan the QR code. When it is recognized, your account is added.

How to Setup Google Authenticator on iOS

• Step 1: Download the Google authenticator application for iOS from the official AppStore.

• Step 2: Start the installation and when it completes, click on the “Begin” button to start setting up your Google authenticator account details.
• Step 3: You can use two ways to set up, i.e., scanning the barcode or punching in the key. As I already said in the Android guide, I think the scanning method is more convenient. So, you open up your camera and scan the square QR code, and Voila! It is done.

What do I do if I lose my Google Authenticator?

As a precautionary method, it is important to keep a backup of your code, just like alternative disposable passwords. Also, associate more than one authentication method to your accounts.

You can associate an app and a mobile number to generate codes that you can receive on an alternate phone. As an alternative, you can use a USB token and the app to still have that token in case of losing the phone.

Saving your Google Authenticator account details and data on Google Drive allows you to retrieve it in case of a lost or stolen phone.

Conclusion on How to Set Up Google Authenticator

In conclusion, the above information concerning How to Set Up Google Authenticator is comprehensive enough for anyone even a newbie. Now make sure to go through the steps provided in this post, and you will surely come out with the desired result.

Additionally, it is important to carefully follow through with the information above to come up with the desired result.

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