In the digital age, especially with increasingly sophisticated methods of collecting personal information, online account security is more crucial than ever. Google Authenticator is an optimal solution for enhancing account security and is widely used today. So, what exactly is Google Authenticator, and how do you set it up and use it? We invite you to join Unich Analysis to learn more about this application in the article below.
What is Google Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is a free application that provides 2-step authentication (2FA) with a random 6-digit code based on time or event developed by Google, helping users authenticate logins to their accounts. These codes will automatically expire and be generated every 30 seconds, ensuring optimal security for users’ login information. This application is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, you can download it for use on computers and mobile devices without an Internet connection.
6 Benefits of Using Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a free application, you can download it for use without any fees. In addition, this application also has 6 other benefits as follows:
Generate verification codes without using the Internet
Google Authenticator allows the generating of two-step verification codes even without an Internet connection. Specifically, this application uses the TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password) algorithm to generate authentication codes based on real-time. This means that the code will be automatically generated periodically, even when you do not have internet.
Thus, users no longer have to worry about not having a network when needing to authenticate their accounts, especially in cases where quick access is needed and there is no Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Can be used with many providers and accounts
You can use Google Authenticator to authenticate accounts on many different platforms such as Facebook, Dropbox, Amazon, Binance, and many other applications, not just limited to the Google ecosystem.
The reason is that this application operates based on the TOTP and HOTP (HMAC-based One-Time Password) protocols, which are widely supported on many systems. This allows you to manage and secure multiple accounts with just one app, eliminating the hassle of having to use different authenticator apps for each platform.
Automatic setup with QR code or key generation
When linking accounts, Google Authenticator provides two options, including scanning the QR code and manually entering a security code for users to choose from. In particular, you can save more time and avoid the risk of errors when entering the wrong code when choosing the QR code scanning method.
No need to remember verification codes
This app uses a time-based algorithm (TOTP), so each verification code is continuously refreshed every 30 seconds, users do not need to remember the old verification code. This helps minimize the possibility of forgetting the code, prevent code theft for later use, improve security, and reduce the risk of information theft.
Dark interface for eye protection
Google Authenticator offers a dark interface option, minimizing the amount of blue light emitted from the phone screen. This can help reduce eye strain, protect your eyes, and minimize the negative impact of blue light on sleep.
Enable QR code scanning to transfer accounts between devices
When you need to transfer your Google Authenticator account from one device to another, you can do it easily via a QR code instead of manually entering information. This helps you transfer accounts between devices quickly and conveniently and avoid entering incorrect information.
Instructions on how to set up Google Authenticator
You can easily set up Google Authenticator on Android and iOS devices by following the detailed instructions below.
Android devices
For Android devices, you need to update to Android version 5.0 or higher to set up and use Google Authenticator. The steps are as follows:
- Step 1: Sign in to your Google account > Select Security or direct access.
- Step 2: Select 2-Step Verification > Select Get Started > Enter your Google account password > Select Next > Select the device to receive the prompt when verifying the account > Select Continue.
- Step 3: Enter the phone number to receive notifications > Select the method to receive the code > Select Send > Enter the verification code sent to the phone number you just entered > Select Next > Select Enable.
- Step 4: Select Settings under Apps in 2-Step Verification > Select your phone type > Select Next > Scan the QR code with the Google Authenticator app > Select Next > Enter the 6-digit verification code > Select Verify > Select Done.
iOS Devices
For iOS devices, you need to update to the latest iOS version to set up and use Google Authenticator. The steps are as follows:
- Step 1: Sign in to your Google account > Go to 2-Step Verification settings.
- Step 2: Select Set up Authenticator > Follow the on-screen instructions, these steps are almost the same as for Android devices.
How to use Google Authenticator for secure login
After setting up the Google Authenticator application, you can use Authenticator without linking to a Google account, transfer the code generated by Google Authenticator, use Authenticator for multiple Google accounts, edit – arrange – delete the code generated by Google Authenticator and enable the Privacy Screen feature. The steps are as follows:
Use Google Authenticator without linking to a Google account
To help improve security, Google Authenticator allows users to use the application without directly linking to a Google account. The steps to follow on Android devices and iOS devices include 2 cases as follows:
- In case you are opening this application for the first time: Select Use without an account.
- If you have saved codes to your Google account: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner of the home screen > Select Use Authenticator without an account. The codes saved to your Google account will be deleted and stored on the device memory you are using, not appearing on other devices.
Transfer codes generated by Google Authenticator
If you link Google Authenticator to your Google account, the codes will be automatically synchronized when you use the app on a new device.
If you do not link an account, you can transfer codes manually by following these steps (for Android and iOS devices):
- Step 1: On the new device, install the Google Authenticator app > Open the Google Authenticator app, select Start > Sign in to your Google account.
- Step 2: On the old device, open the Google Authenticator app > Select the Menu icon > Select Transfer account > Select Export account > Unlock the device > Select the account you want to transfer to the new device > Select Next to complete generating the QR code for the selected account. You repeat these steps if you want to transfer multiple accounts.
- Step 3: On the new device, open the Authenticator app > Select Menu > Select Transfer account > Select Import account > Scan the QR code created in the step above. When the scan is successful, the system will confirm that the Google Authenticator code has been transferred.
Notes:
- The old device must have codes generated by Google Authenticator.
- The new device must have the latest version of the Google Authenticator app installed.
Use for multiple accounts
You can use Google Authenticator to manage multiple authentication codes of different accounts at the same time. How to do it on Android and iOS devices:
- Step 1: Install and set up Google Authenticator for your Google account. If you have already set it up, skip this step.
- Step 2: Open the Authenticator app > Select your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the home screen > Select Add another account > Select the account you want to add or sign in to a new Google account > Select Allow saving codes to Google account.
Edit – Arrange – Delete codes generated by Google Authenticator
You can edit or delete codes of added accounts by following these steps (used on Android and iOS devices).
- Edit: Swipe the code you want to edit to the left > Select Edit > Edit the username or change the Google account associated with this code.
- Arrange: Press and hold the code you want to arrange > Drag it to the desired position.
- Delete: Swipe the code you want to delete to the right > Select Delete > Confirm deletion. If you want to delete all codes, delete the Google Authenticator service.
Set up Privacy Screen
If you want to protect your privacy, you can hide the verification code on the screen when you are not using Google Authenticator by activating the Privacy Screen feature on this application.
Steps on Android devices:
- Step 1: Open the application > Select the Menu icon > Select Settings > Select Privacy Screen.
- Step 2: Turn on Privacy Screen > Complete verification by entering a PIN, drawing an unlock pattern or biometric data.
Steps on iOS devices:
- Step 1: Open the application > Select the Menu icon > Select Settings > Select Privacy Screen.
- Step 2: Turn on Privacy Screen > Complete verification by biometric data.
How to change the device that receives the code from Google Authenticator
When you want to change the device that receives the verification code from Google Authenticator, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Log in to your Google account > Select Security or direct access > Select 2-step verification in the Sign in section > Enter your Google account password > Select Next.
- Step 2: Select Change phone number > Select phone type > Select Next.
- Step 3: Use another phone, open the Authenticator application > Scan the displayed QR code > Select Next.
- Step 4: Enter the 6-digit verification code > Select Verify > Select Done.
Instructions to fix some common errors on Google Authenticator
When using Google Authenticator, you may encounter some errors, here are instructions to fix them:
Enter the wrong code
Enter it again. If it is still incorrect, please check the code displayed on the system to see if it has been automatically changed to another code because each code is only valid for 30 seconds.
Lost phone
You can regain access in the following 4 ways:
- Use a backup code.
- Sign in to your Google account from another phone.
- Restore account.
Regain access using a backup code
- Step 1: Go to Gmail > Enter your Gmail address or phone number > Select Next > Enter your Gmail password > Select Next.
- Step 2: When you see the notification asking for 2-Step Verification, select Try another way > Select Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes > Enter your backup code > Select Next.
Regain access by logging in to your account on another phone
Open the Google account login on another device > Log in to your account as usual. However, you can only do this if you have used this device to log in to your Google account before, and have selected Do not ask again on this computer when prompted for 2-Step Verification.
Recover account
Open any web browser > Search for “Recover Google Account” > Select Recovery Email > Follow the instructions. The recovery waiting time may take 3 – 5 days for Google to confirm that you are the official owner of this account.
Google Authenticator vs Other 2FA Apps
In addition to Google Authenticator, there are many other 2FA apps such as Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, and FreeOTP. Below is a comparison of the pros and cons of each app as follows
Google Authenticator app
Pros:
- Easy to use, simple interface.
- No account registration required.
- No data storage on the cloud for increased security.
Cons: Because it does not allow code backup on the cloud, if you lose your device, you may lose access.
Authy app
Pros:
- Supports cloud backup so users can use saved data to restore codes when they lose their device.
- Supports synchronization across multiple devices such as phones, tablets, and desktops.
- Has a password protection function when accessing the app.
Cons: Possible security issues with data stored in the cloud.
Microsoft Authenticator app
Pros:
- Supports cloud backup.
- Allows passwordless Microsoft account login.
- Supports syncing via a Microsoft account.
Cons:
- You need a Microsoft account to back up codes in the cloud.
- More complicated interface if you are not familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem.
LastPass Authenticator app
Pros:
- Integrated with LastPass to manage passwords and 2FA on the same platform.
- Supports cloud backup of 2FA codes.
- One-Tap login feature makes it easy for users to authenticate without manually entering codes.
Cons:
- Requires a LastPass account to use all features.
- May not be suitable for users who do not want to link password management and 2FA in one place.
FreeOTP app
Pros:
- Open-source application, does not collect user data, does not store codes on the cloud, so it is highly secure.
- Completely free.
Cons: Does not have many advanced features such as backup or device synchronization.
Based on the above information, it can be seen that Google Authenticator is superior to some other 2FA applications in terms of easy-to-use interface, no need to register an account, can be used offline and does not need backup.
Conclusion
The above is information about the definition, benefits, instructions for using Google Authenticator, and comparison with some other 2FA applications. It can be seen that this is currently the best free application to protect your account through 2-step verification. Unich Analysis hopes that this information can help you understand Google Authenticator and use this application proficiently.
