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How to Download and Install Google Authenticator on Android and iPhone

How to Download and Install Google Authenticator on Android and iPhone

Google Authenticator is a free app that adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs). This guide will provide step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing Google Authenticator on both Android and iPhone devices.

For Android Devices

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store

  • Unlock your Android device.
  • Locate and tap the Google Play Store icon to launch the app.

Step 2: Search for Google Authenticator

  • In the Play Store, tap on the search bar at the top.
  • Type “Google Authenticator” and tap the search icon or Enter on your keyboard.

Step 3: Select the Official App

  • Look for “Google Authenticator” developed by Google LLC.
  • Verify the app by checking the developer’s name and the app icon.

Step 4: Install the App

  • Tap on the app to open its details page.
  • Click on the “Install” button.
  • Accept any permissions if prompted.
  • Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 5: Open Google Authenticator

  • Once installed, tap the “Open” button from the Play Store.
  • Alternatively, find the app icon in your app drawer and tap to open.

For iPhone Devices

Step 1: Open the App Store

  • Unlock your iPhone.
  • Locate and tap the App Store icon to launch the app.

Step 2: Search for Google Authenticator

  • Tap on the “Search” tab at the bottom right corner.
  • Tap on the search bar at the top.
  • Type “Google Authenticator” and tap the search button.

Step 3: Select the Official App

  • Find “Google Authenticator” developed by Google LLC.
  • Verify the app by checking the developer’s name and the app icon.

Step 4: Install the App

  • Tap the “Get” button next to the app.
  • You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password, use Touch ID, or Face ID to confirm.
  • Wait for the app to download and install.

Step 5: Open Google Authenticator

  • Once installed, tap the “Open” button from the App Store.
  • Alternatively, find the app icon on your home screen and tap to open.

Setting Up Google Authenticator with Your Accounts

After installing the app, you’ll need to set it up with the accounts you wish to protect.

Step 1: Access Account Security Settings

  • Log in to the online account you want to secure (e.g., Gmail, Dropbox).
  • Navigate to the account’s security settings or two-factor authentication (2FA) settings.

Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

  • Find the option to enable 2FA or Authenticator App.
  • Select Google Authenticator or Authenticator App as your preferred method.

Step 3: Link Your Account with Google Authenticator

  • A QR code or a setup key will be displayed on the screen.
  • Open the Google Authenticator app on your device.
  • Tap the “+” icon (usually located at the bottom right corner).
  • Choose “Scan a QR code” to use your device’s camera, or “Enter a setup key” to input it manually.

Step 4: Complete the Setup

  • If scanning, point your device’s camera at the QR code until it captures the code.
  • If entering manually, type in the account name and the setup key provided.
  • The app will generate a 6-digit code for your account.

Step 5: Verify and Save

  • Enter the 6-digit code from the Google Authenticator app back into your account’s 2FA setup page.
  • Confirm to complete the setup process.
  • Save any backup codes provided in a secure place.

Tips and Considerations

  • Backup Codes: Keep a copy of your backup codes in case you lose access to your authenticator app.
  • Device Transfers: If you get a new phone, you’ll need to transfer your authenticator accounts. Google Authenticator offers an export feature to help with this.
  • Multiple Accounts: You can add multiple accounts to Google Authenticator by repeating the setup steps for each one.
  • App Updates: Regularly update the app to ensure you have the latest security features.

Conclusion

Installing Google Authenticator enhances the security of your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification. By following the steps above, you can easily download, install, and set up the app on your Android or iPhone device.

Word Fence is the security product we use to keep our site secure. When setting up the google authenticator, the next step is Setting up the website account on your Google Authenticator

  1. Open your authenticator application and add a new entry. Most apps have a plus sign symbol or a tiny QR code symbol.
  2. Scan the QR code on the “Login Security” page. Your authenticator application should then display a six-digit code.
  3. If you are accessing a site on a phone or tablet and obviously cannot point the camera at its own screen, you can copy the line of letters and numbers below the QR code, and paste that in an application, using the application’s “manual” setup option.
  4. In the “Download recovery codes” section, click the “Download” button.
  5. Recovery codes can be used if you lose your device.
  6. Print or save the file, and store it in a safe place.
  7. Enter the six-digit code that appears in your authenticator application.
  8. This code changes every 30 seconds.
  9. If the code expires, you can enter the next code instead.
  10. Click the “Activate” button.

Need Further Assistance?

  • Visit the I am Open Support Chat to get answers or contact our support team.
  • Contact the customer support of the specific service you’re securing if you encounter issues during setup.