Yes, two-factor authentication is a crucial layer of security to add to your online accounts, but remain vulnerable to hacks if you receive the codes by text message. A better way to manage these quick codes is to use an authenticator app, such as Google authenticator either Twilio Authy. When you use an authenticator app, multi-factor codes are available in the app instead of via text message.
Want to switch from a 2FA process governed by SMS messages to a more secure option? Here’s how you can get started with Google Authenticator, what’s recently changed in the app, and how to access your codes in the app.
How do I set it up?
To get started, download the app on your smartphone or tablet. Google Authenticator is available for iOS and Android. Open the app and tap the button Begin button. You will have the option to sign in with your Google account or use the app without signing in. If you sign in, Google Authenticator will save your 2FA data for you. More on that in a moment.
The next step is to choose which online account you want to set up with Google Authenticator. The websites you visit most often are likely to support multi-factor authentication through the app. From Amazon and Gmail to TikTok and Dropbox, the steps vary a bit, but the general process is essentially the same.
Once you’ve selected an account, the rest of the setup can be done in two ways. You can scan a QR code with your smartphone’s camera or enter the code manually.
Let’s use Amazon’s login process as an example. Your first option is to sign in to your Amazon account on a laptop, go to the Account page and choose Login and security. Then click Light for two-factor authentication and Begin on the next page. The preselected option that you will see is to receive the codes by text message. Instead, choose the option for a authenticator app.
When you see a QR code on the laptop screen, open the Google Authenticator app on your phone. Tap the plus sign in the bottom right corner of the app and then Scan a QR code. Decide if you want to allow the app to access your camera; otherwise, you will have to enter the codes by hand. Scan the barcode with your smartphone and an expiring code will appear in the app and keep regenerating. Next, type the six-digit code into the laptop. Please note that older devices may require a special login process for 2FA codes and finish the setup process.
What’s new?
In the past, a common criticism of Google Authenticator was that all of its codes were locked to a single phone. If you lost your device on a lively night out with friends or a thief took it from you, it might be difficult or impossible to access your connected accounts. Similarly, if you’ve upgraded your phone, it could be a pain to scan all the QR codes for your sites and services or export and import them to the new device and set everything up again.
In addition to some design changes, Google recently added functionality that allows your codes to be synced through your Google account. When you’re in the authenticator app, you’ll see a green cloud with a check mark in the top right corner next to your profile photo indicating that your codes are synced. Please note that you must be signed in to use this feature, so if you have been using Google Authenticator without signing in, you will need to sign in to store the information in your account or export and import your data on new devices. the old way
OK now give me those fucking codes
So, you set it up and synced the codes with your Google account. Whats Next? By signing in to any account you’ve connected to Google Authenticator, you’ll open the app, locate the non-permanent code associated with that account, and use it to finish the process.
Looking for more ways to protect your accounts online? An authenticator app isn’t your only option for beefing up security. In fact, you can further protect your most important logins with a physical security key.
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