Whenever you sign in to Google, you'll enter your password as usual. You'll be asked for something else. Then, a code will be sent to your phone via text, voice call, or our mobile app. Move Google Authenticator to a New Phone. First of all, don’t do anything to the copy of Google Authenticator on your old phone. Leave it be for now, or else you might get caught without a way to enter 2FA codes before the new phone is set up. Password managers 1Password and LastPass both have built-in authenticator apps, but the one I went for is Authy. It's quick and easy to use and set up, runs on multiple devices and platforms. If you feel like storing OTP in 1Password is too risky for you (in most cases it isn't), do yourself a favor and use Authy instead of Google authenticator. It backs up encrypted seeds, and also syncs between your devices.
Now that many cyber criminals are roaming the web and trying to steal our accounts in various and creative ways, all companies recommend using the extra layer of protection known as two-step verification. This protection consists of not only requesting a username (or email) and password to enter your accounts, but also a unique code that is generated when you want to log in and that arrives exclusively on your mobile.
The problem is that not all services and applications offer two-step verification. That is why there are apps like Google Authenticator that add this protection to almost any app. Now, this Google application (which is one of our writers’ favorite apps ) also has the drawbacks that make it a headache instead of being a solution.
One of the most common problems with the Google Authenticator is when the codes required to perform the second verification and login do not work. Are you experiencing this same problem? Don’t worry, because we will show you all the possible solutions to fix the app when this happens right away.
Synchronize the time of the app with that of Google’s servers
If the Google Authenticator codes do not work for you, there is likely a synchronization problem between the app and the Google servers. Keep in mind that the Google Authenticator has its internal clock (it is really the mobile clock) that may not be synchronized with the time of Google’s servers (the ones that send you the codes).
Luckily, Google has added an option to the app to solve this problem as follows:
- Open the Google Authenticator app.
- Touch the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Time correction for codes.
- Tap on Sync Now.
Thus, if the time on your mobile was not correct, it will be corrected (the internal clock of the app, not you’re mobile) and thus the problem will be solved.
Restart your mobile and the application
Another way to solve this problem is with the classic restart. First, we advise you to completely close Google Authenticator (from the multitasking button) and reopen it. If this is not solved, then turn off your mobile and turn it on again. These types of solutions are usually useful when the mobile is stuck somewhere or has a simple bug.
As a result, there is a good chance that the Google Authenticator codes will return to normal after a restart.
Clear the cache and update Google Authenticator
It is very normal in Android for the function of an app to stop working due to a storage problem. Therefore, we recommend clearing the Google Authenticator cache by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your mobile.
- Go to Applications.
- Select the Google Authenticator.
- Tap Storage and then Clear cache.
- See if the codes already work.
Didn’t this help you? Then the problem may be from the source (of the app code) and only Google can solve it. In this case, the only thing you can do is update the application in the hope that in its most recent version the codes already work. How is the app updated? Thus:
- Go to the Google Play Store.
- Search for Google Authenticator and open its file in the store.
- If an update is available, click Update.
If there is no more recent version, you will have to wait for Google to release it.
Install Google Authenticator on another device
Now, if the above did not work for you, then the best thing you can do is install the app on another device where you can use it without problems, such as on an old tablet or mobile that you no longer use. Doing this is very simple since you only have to do the following:
- Open Google Authenticator on the other device, which should have your Google account already added.
- From a PC, go to the Google website for two-step verification with your account details.
- Go to the App section of the Authenticator and click on Settings.
- Select the type of device you want to use (Android or iPhone).
- Immediately afterward, you will see a QR code that you must scan from the Google Authenticator app on both your secondary device and your primary device.
- Click Next on the PC and enter the code you see on the devices to verify them.
Ready! Now you can use the codes from your secondary device in case the main ones are not working. Anyway, we hope these solutions are useful to you.
What is Google Authenticator?
The Google Authenticator is an app that utilizes two-factor authentication (2FA) services with the help of two algorithms. The first one is the Time-based One-time Password Algorithm (TOTP) and the other is the HMAC-based One-time Password Algorithm (HOTP). The algorithms are used for authenticating users of smartphone apps by Google itself.
The app gives users a 6-8 digit one-time password, which the users have to then type in addition to their login and password to log into Google. This applies to both Google services and other websites. Google Authenticator is also capable of generating passwords for third-party apps as well. This includes file hosting services and other software. The Authenticator was originally open-source, but its newest builds are not.
How do I use it?
Usually, you would install Google Authenticator on your smartphone. Afterward, any time you try to log into a website that two-factor authentication, you will supply your username and password to the website you're visiting. The Authenticator will generate another password, which is one time only. That same password will be separately generated by the website itself. Once you enter it you'll be able to browse as normal.
Sounds complicated, right? The way this works is the selected website will transmit a shared secret key to you via a secure channel, which will be stored in the Google Authenticator app itself. You'll need this key for any and all future visits to the website.
The benefit of this whole process is that knowing your username and password won't be enough to hack your accounts. An attacker would also need to have physical access to your smartphone and the secret key itself. This drastically reduces the chances of having your security breached.
What if I lose my Google Authenticator key?
First of all, it's recommended that you change your Google account login and password to prevent hacks while you recover your key. Here's how that can be done.
Use a backup phone.
If you have a backup phone listed Google can send the codes to it in the event you lost your main one.
1password Google Play
Sign in from your computer.
If you're logged into your Google account on your computer you might be able to disable the two-step verification until you can get back your verification key.
Get a new phone.
You may be able to get a phone or SIM card with the same number depending on your chosen carrier.
Fill out an account recovery form.
This is the hardest and longest step. It's generally a last resort.
- Sign in to your Google account.
- Navigate to the verification code page.
- Select 'More options'.
- Click 'Get help'.
- Then 'Request Google's help'.
Take your time to fill out the form. It will be based on the things Google knows about you, like when you created your account, which services you use etc. Be careful and be honest with each question.
Microsoft Authenticator 1password