In the previous article, I have mentioned the Best free LastPass alternative to use (Open Source) now in this article, I have mentioned what is google authenticator and how to use it for Gmail account.

In earlier days when nothing was apprehensive of online pitfalls and simple security was enough to cover your accounts. Currently, an account without two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled is considered insecure. There are numerous authentication apps on the request, with Google Authenticator being the most popular. Google Authenticator is an app provided by Google that lets you protect your Google account from identity theft or other forms of misuse.

So-called two-factor authentication is now standard, that is, you can no longer log in to your email service or other online accounts using only a password but require a secondary security factor to log in. This often takes the form of a cell phone. In many cases, two-factor authentication involves receiving a code sent via SMS, which is entered into your online account to prove your identity.

The Google Authenticator app works in a similar manner. Once you have linked your Google account to your smartphone, you can use it to retrieve a six-digit code that you have to enter when logging in to Google (in addition to your chosen password). The app works even if your phone is offline. It is available for Android smartphones and Apple iPhones.

Google Authenticator is an authentication app for mobile devices that generates time-based codes used during the Two-Step Verification process.

Although you can use the Google Authenticator app for many of your accounts, in this article, we will consider Gmail authentication.

Here are the steps to enable Google Authenticator for your Gmail Account

Before you enable Google Authenticator for your Gmail account, we assume you have already enabled "2-step verification" in your Google Account and now wish to add the Google Authenticator app as another way to verify your identity.

  • Download the Google Authenticator app from the Play Store if you are using an Android device or App Store if you are using an iOS device and click "Install".
  • Launch the app and select "Scan a QR code" in the dialog window. To scan, the app needs access to your smartphone’s camera.
    Alternatively, you can enter a setup key that is displayed in your Google account during the setup process.
  • Log in to your Google account and click on the "Security" settings menu option.
  • Scroll down on the right until you see the "Signing in to Google" section and click "2-step verification".
    google-2-step-athentication-google-authenticator-min.png
  • Your activated identity checks are displayed in the overview.
  • Scroll down until you see the option to set up additional verification options. Click "Set up" in the "Authenticator App" entry.
    select-google-authenticator-app-min.png
  • A pop-up will open. Select your smartphone type, in my case we are using Android, and click "Next"
  • Using your smartphone with the Google Authenticator app installed, scan the QR code displayed in the pop-up. Then click "Next" in the pop-up on your computer.
  • The app on your mobile will now display a six-digit code, which you enter in the pop-up.
    Confirm your entry by clicking on "Verify".
  • That's it, now we have enabled 2FA using Google Authenticator.

So, what's the benefit of using it now?

Basically, whenever you will try to log in from a new device, now google will ask you to enter your Gmail password and then instead of entering OTP, you can enter a six-digit code from Google Authenticator to verify your identity.

You may also like to read

Best Clock Widgets for Windows

Best typing software for windows

How to transfer files from android to mac? (Various ways explained)