How to Set Up Google Authenticator for 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)

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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction to Google Authenticator
0:35 - Step 1: Download the App
1:18 - Step 2: Get the QR Code
2:03 - Step 3: Scan the QR Code
2:26 - Step 4: Log into Your Account
3:28 - Using the Google Authenticator App
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In this tutorial, Josh walks you step-by-step through the process of installing the Google Authenticator app, setting it up as two-factor authentication for your online accounts, and using it to log in.

I recommend Google Authenticator over other options like Microsoft Authenticator, Authy or LastPass Authenticator because it's been the standard for creating a Time-based One Time Password (TOTP) for years. It's also incredibly easy to use for any kind of device.

In this tutorial, Josh answers the following questions:
🔹 What is an authenticator app?
🔹 How do you set up Google Authenticator?
🔹 How do you log in using Google Authenticator?
🔹 Which device should I install Google Authenticator on?
🔹 Is Google Authenticator safe?

If you have any questions about using Google Authenticator, leave a comment below and I'll do my best to respond to it!

#2fa #persinfosec #cybersecurity

[Allessio]

What do you do if the 6 digit code doesn't work. I put my PW into my Firefox account on my PC, and then it wants the authentication code, which I type in from the Google app on my phone, and it says the code is incorrect.

[Theclarabelle]

Thank you - your instructions were clear and precise. Great tutorial!

[deltafalcon]

DUDE... love your content.
Thank you man.

[cipivojestekovic]

hello @All Things Secured
When i type code from google authenticator app in the app i need, but not press enter and wait for 5 minutes, a lot of codes have changed in the meantime and when I click enter after that it still works and you say in the video that it doesn't work, so I don't understand how that's possible? help please?

[michaelhord]

2fa has never worked for me. It has always locked me out of my accounts. I am very leary of it.
My problem with your video is that you could be more detailed. What I need to see is you setting up a new account while you use your phone with an authenticator app. You will need to have someone to video each step showing exactly what to do. This is how you could make the video better and I would appreciate you doing this because I'm going to be forced into this. You should also show how to use back up codes incase you get locked out. I did like the speed that you did this in. thanks

[beautifulmarie]

Thank you for this video. I had the Authenticator app on my Note 9 but recently switched over to iPhone. It was asking me to authenticate a few apps even though I no longer had the phone. YOU MADE THE FIX EASY. THANK YOU!

[joechan]

Without the authenticator app, the website I'm logging into will send me a text containing a verification code for 2FA. When I enter the code, the website checks to see that it matches what was texted to me. Does using the 2FA app require the organization to continually send me verification codes every 30 seconds or so? If that's the case, isn't it very bandwidth-intensive (since codes are constantly being sent even when I'm not logging into a website)?

[Durabritest]

Thank you for your video explaining how to set up Google Authenticator. I have multiple account on my Google 2FA, is there a way of renaming the accounts in the 2FA app so as to make it easier to spot which ones which when scrolling through them?

[terrywallace]

Thanks for explaining, clears some things up .

[richardcroome]

Thanks for the clear info - I am seeing 8 digit codes generated on a gmail and yahoo e-mail account - how do I adjust to 6 digits? Thank you

[zrohit]

Is there a way for two people to share the same 2FA app? ie. Husband and Wife both getting the 2FA number via text. thanks

[donwetherell]

I have set this up for INE of my accounts and I see the code number changing again and again but when I put the current number into the thing I want access to it does not allow me in. Just says the number is wrong! Any ideas? Great vid by the way.

[Infinitelightwizardry]

Hey thank you very much the process was a breeze! 🙏

[nancylule]

Hello I cnkor download in my iPhone because I don’t have the update in the system there are any options for me to get it ? Could you guíe me please

[DestructivSwond]

One question, how do I do the account and key because I don’t even know what to do for it because I can’t use a QR code?

[laurwolfxd_]

Thank You so much. I was so frustrated for nothing. I understand how it works now thank to you

[exwhyz]

if ur phone is lost/stolen, is there backup in GA to recreate this on a new/replacement phone ?

[vonsostupid]

Hey I use tee spring and can’t get in my account cause I need a 2factor code that I didn’t get cause I didn’t scan the QR thing but would this work ?

[jag]

Thank you. I looked at two other videos showing me how to use the Google Authenticator app and I was confused and clueless. Again, thank you for your easy, quick, informative, and step-by-step instructions. This was truly a great help for me. 😊☺️😁

[shuksy]

Thank you...this was very helpful and clear, saved my day!!! 😄