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As you're well aware, the increasing incidents of account theft and user data breaches pose a significant threat. To bolster security, Google introduces an effective dual-layer security feature called Google Authenticator. So, what is Google Authenticator, and how do you use it? Let's explore in this article from Mytour.
1. What is Google Authenticator?
In essence, Google Authenticator is a smartphone application designed to generate a series of codes. When logging into your Google account from any device, you'll need to input the code created by the Google Authenticator app. Notably, the app refreshes every 30 seconds, providing a new code, maximizing protection for your Google account.
2. Using Google Authenticator
To utilize Google Authenticator, we'll first activate two-step security in your Google account.
Step 1: Access the link below and log in to your Google account.
After successfully logging in, choose the Sign in to Google option.
Step 2: In this window, select the Two-Step Verification option (currently turned off).
If your Google account already has Two-Step Verification enabled, you can skip and proceed from step 8.
Step 3: Click Get Started.
Step 4: In this window, choose Select another option, then select Text message or phone call.
Step 5: Next, enter your phone number in the blank field. You can choose to receive the code via text message or phone call.
Here, I'll choose to receive the code via text message and click Next.
Step 6: Now, Google will send a code to the phone number you entered in the previous step. Open the message on your phone, enter the received code in the empty field below, and click Next.
Step 7: Click Enable to complete enabling two-step verification.
Step 8: After clicking Enable, you'll be taken to a new window. Scroll down, find the Authenticator App section, and click Set Up.
On the window that appears, select the type of phone you're using and click Next.
Step 9: Now, a QR Code will be displayed. Keep it as is, and we'll move on to setting up the Google Authenticator app on your phone.
Step 10: On your phone, install the Google Authenticator app from the app store or use the link below to download the app.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2&hl=en
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605?mt=8
After installation, open the app and add your Google account by selecting Scan Barcode.
Step 11: Now, activate the camera. Hold it up to scan the QR code from step 9.
After a successful scan, press Add Account.
Step 12: On your computer, click Next on the QR Code screen:
Then, enter the code displayed on the Google Authenticator app into the empty field and click Verify.
Note: The code changes quickly, so enter swiftly. If the code is about to expire, you can wait for the new one.
So, we've successfully activated Google Authenticator for your Google account. Now, try logging out and logging back into your Google account.
After entering your password, you'll need to input the code from the Authenticator app to successfully log in.
Here's a guide on how to use Google Authenticator. Hope you find the article helpful. Best of luck!
