Install Google Authenticator

If you set up 2-Step Verification, you can use the Google Authenticator app to receive codes even if you don’t have an Internet connection or mobile service. 

Requirements

Important: If you have an account through your work, school, or other group, your organization might not allow 2-Step Verification. Check with your administrator to be sure.

To use Google Authenticator on your Android device, you'll need:

Download the app

INSTALL GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR

Set up the app

  1. Go to the security section of your Google Account.
  2. Under "Signing in to Google," tap 2-Step Verification.
    Tip: You might need to sign in.
  3. Under "Add more second steps to verify it’s you," go to the "Authenticator app” section, and tap Set up.
  4. Follow the steps on screen.
  5. To make sure it works, get a 6-digit code from your Authenticator app. 
  6. Enter the code and tap Verify.
    • If your code is correct, you'll see a confirmation.
    • If your code is incorrect, try again.
      Tip: If you’re still having trouble, you might want to verify that the time on your device is correct or read about common issues.

Set up 2-Step Verification for multiple Google Accounts

Google Authenticator can issue codes for multiple accounts from the same mobile device. Each Google Account needs a different secret key. 

To set up additional accounts, turn on 2-Step Verification for each account and use the same Google Authenticator app.

Set up Google Authenticator on multiple devices

This will allow you to generate verification codes from more than one device.

  1. Verify Google Authenticator is installed on the devices you want to use.
  2. In your Google Account, go to the 2-Step Verification section.
  3. If you’ve already set up Google Authenticator for your account, delete that account from Authenticator. Before you delete that account from Authenticator, make sure you have a backup second step.
  4. To set up 2-Step Verification for the Authenticator app, follow the steps on screen. Use the same QR code or secret key on all your devices.
  5. To check if it's working, make sure the verification codes on each device are the same.
Transfer Authenticator codes to a new Android phone

If you change to a different Android phone, you can move your existing Authenticator codes from your old phone to a new one. 

What you’ll need:

  • Your old Android phone with Google Authenticator codes and the latest version of the Google Authenticator app installed.
  • Your new Android phone.
  • An active internet connection.
  1. On your new phone, install the Google Authenticator app.
  2. Open the app and tap Get Started
  3. At the bottom of the next screen, tap Import existing accounts?
  4. On your old phone, create a QR code:
    1. In the Authenticator app, tap More More and then Transfer accounts and then Export accounts.
      Tip: You may need to unlock your phone.
    2. Select which accounts you want to transfer to your new phone, and tap Next
      Important: Your old phone will create a QR code. If you’re transferring multiple accounts, your old phone may create more than one QR code.
  5. On your new phone, tap Scan QR code.
    Tip: Focus the code within the red lines to scan it. If you have more than one QR code, you’ll be prompted to scan each one.
  6. Once you scan your QR codes, you’ll get a confirmation that your Google Authenticator accounts have been transferred. 

Google Authenticator doesn't generate App Passwords. After turning on 2-Step Verification, If you see a prompt for a new App Password, sign in using an App Password.

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