Google Authenticator

Updated: 07/31/2022 by Computer Hope
Google Authenticator logo.

Introduced on September 20, 2010, Google Authenticator is a free, software-based security implement for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry mobile devices. It facilitates two-factor authentication for various services and programs such as online accounts, file-hosting services, and password managers. Google Authenticator utilizes TOTP (Time-based One-time Password Algorithm) to generate six to eight-digit codes that users must provide in addition to their normal login information (i.e., username and password).

How to use the Google Authenticator

  1. On your mobile device, access your platform's app store (Google Play Store or iOS App Store) and download the Google Authenticator app.
  2. Open the Google Authenticator app.
  3. If it's your first time, tap the Get started button on Google Authenticator app. button. Otherwise, click the "+" icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.
  4. On the next screen, select the method for how you want to enter a code. For this example, we are using Enter a setup key.

Setting up an account on Google Authenticator.

  1. Type a name for the account, enter the key, choose a key type, and then tap the Add button.

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