The beginner's guide to Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator has become one of the most widely used two-factor authentication (2FA) apps, helping to secure millions of online accounts with a second layer of protection beyond just a password. But like with any technology, problems can occasionally occur and leave users unsure of how to proceed. This guide answers some of the most common questions asked by those using Google Authenticator.
What is Google Authenticator?
Google offers a two-step verification process through the free mobile app Google Authenticator. When logging in from a new device or browser, it generates a rotating 6-digit code that needs to be entered along with your username and password.
The app generates new authentication codes every 30 seconds using the clock on your phone and Google's time servers. Even in the unlikely event that hackers manage to obtain your password, it will be exceedingly difficult for them to access any account you add to the app because it is linked to these dynamic codes.
It only requires you to manually enter your account information into the app or scan a QR code to get set up. After that, in addition to your regular login information, you will be required to enter the current 6-digit code that is shown in the app whenever you log in from a new location.
Google Authenticator is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, giving you the ability to enhance security for your sensitive accounts such as social media, banking, and Google. Even if your password is compromised, the dynamic 2-step verification process helps prevent unwanted login attempts.
Is Google Authenticator Secure?
Due to its use of rolling codes, Google Authenticator is generally regarded as a very secure two-factor authentication option. Here are some key reasons why:
Rotating codes every 30 seconds: Since the authentication codes change frequently based on your device time, it's impossible for hackers to predict future valid codes if they obtain one.
Time-based codes: Rather than static codes, it uses time-syncing to your phone's clock which means intercepting codes doesn't enable accessing your account later.
No network access needed: The codes are generated locally on your device, so even if networks are compromised, attackers can't generate valid codes without possessing your physical device.
Open-source code: As an open-source project, Google Authenticator has undergone significant scrutiny which has helped strengthen its security over time.
Supported by major tech companies: Many reputable online services (Google, Apple, Facebook, etc.) support and recommend Google Authenticator, indicating it meets high-security standards.
To be safe, you should still enable a PIN or biometric lock on your phone and only download the authenticator from official app stores. This is true of all authentication methods. To keep two-factor authentication's stronger security, make sure your phone and recovery codes are kept secure.
Can I Use Google Authenticator on Multiple Devices?
Yes, it is possible to use Google Authenticator across multiple phones or tablets simultaneously. To set up Google Authenticator on additional devices, simply download the app and follow this step:
To sync your codes automatically, sign in to your Google Account on Google Authenticator on a different device. If you do not use a Google Account, you can manually transfer codes to a new device as well.
You can now view and enter verification codes from any phone where you've installed Google Authenticator. Just be sure not to delete the app from your other devices, as you need it installed on at least one device at all times to continue generating new codes. It's also a good idea to back up your recovery codes in case you ever lose access to all devices.
While Google Authenticator allows using 2FA on multiple personal devices simultaneously, if you need to share access within a business context there is a better option. Services like Daito provide centralized two-factor authentication management platforms specifically designed for teams.
Daito allows you to securely provision limited or full access to 2FA-enabled accounts for internal and external collaborators. This streamlines workflows that require account sharing within distributed teams. The single sign-on experience from Daito makes it easy for approved users to frictionlessly access only the specific resources they need, without having to manage individual authenticator apps.
How to Transfer Google Authenticator to a New Phone
Moving your Google Authenticator accounts to a new device is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps:
1- Back Up Your Recovery Codes
The first thing you should do is locate the recovery codes the authenticator app originally generated for each account. Write these down or save them somewhere safe and accessible.
2- Install the App on Your New Phone
Download and open the Google Authenticator app on your new device.
3- Add Your Accounts Back
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right and choose "Transfer Accounts". Then either scan the QR codes again or manually enter the account details.
4- Sign In With Recovery Codes
The first time you need to generate a code on your new device, the authenticator app may ask you to enter the recovery code instead as it resyncs.
5- Remove Old Device (Optional)
Once everything is working on your new phone, you can delete the authenticator app from your old device if you no longer need it.
That's it! Having the backup codes handy is key for smoothly transitioning Google Authenticator between phones without disrupting access to your secured accounts.
Does Google Authenticator Work Offline?
Google Authenticator needs to synchronise with online time servers in order to generate 2FA codes on your device, but it does not require an active internet connection to do so. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Code Generation: The codes are produced locally on your phone based on its synchronized clock, so no data connection is needed at the moment of login.
Time Syncing: However, your device clock periodically syncs with remote atomic clocks run by Google and other time servers over WiFi or mobile data. This keeps it accurate to within 1 minute.
Impacts of Loss of Sync: If your phone loses the ability to sync its time (e.g. in airplane mode for over an hour), codes may start to fail validation. You'd need to resync time or use a backup code.
No Automatic Fallback: The app won't switch to locally generated static backup codes if the connection is lost after initial setup.
What you should do when Google Authenticator Is Not Working
Try the following troubleshooting steps if you are suddenly unable to generate verification codes in Google Authenticator:
Check Phone Time - Make sure your phone date/time settings are accurate by syncing with internet time servers. Codes fail if time is off.
Restart the App - Close and reopen Google Authenticator. Sometimes restarting refreshes the codes.
Update the App - An outdated app version could cause issues. Ensure Google Authenticator is fully updated.
Make Sure Accounts Are Added - Double check accounts are still present in the app settings.
Refresh Account QR Codes - Re-scan account QR codes or re-enter details to resync time-based codes.
Check for Network Issues - Codes rely on time syncing over WiFi/mobile data, so no connection could cause failure.
Try a Backup Code - As a last resort, enter a recovery code instead of the authenticator code.
You might need to delete and re-add your accounts to the authenticator app if issues persist. Be sure not to lose your recovery codes in the process. Contact the specific service provider for account-specific troubleshooting as well.
Google Authenticator Alternatives
While Google Authenticator is an effective 2FA option, there are other authentication app alternatives to consider:
Microsoft Authenticator: Similar design to Google Authenticator but supports syncing across Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
Authy: Allows authenticator accounts to sync across all your devices via a cloud backup. Provides additional passwordless login options.
Daito: A business-orientated platform for securely sharing 2FA access within organizations, as mentioned earlier. Provides advanced access delegation and activity logging beyond personal authenticator apps.
You can see more Google Authenticator alternatives for businesses in this article.
In conclusion, Google Authenticator's time-based two-factor authentication system adds a crucial layer of account security above and beyond passwords. It provides a very simple yet effective solution for personal and non-business use cases.
This guide covered the most common questions and scenarios around setting up, using, transferring, and recovering Google Authenticator. By understanding how to address potential problems and optimize your authentication strategy, you can continue confidently leveraging the strong protections of two-factor login for personal use cases. For teams, a dedicated provider like Daito simplifies secure 2FA access management.