Google MFA: Google Authenticator Setup Guide

Set Up Google Authenticator (iPhone & Android)

Use this process to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (a.k.a. MFA / 2-Step Verification) for your Google account using Google Authenticator on your mobile device.

When using Google prompts as your primary method of MFA, it is required to have Google Authenticator set up as well.
When using a USB security key as your primary form of MFA, it is strongly recommended to set up Google Authenticator.

Follow the steps below to set up Google Authenticator.

Download the App

Download the Google Authenticator App on your mobile device from the Apple App Store for iPhone or from the Google Play Store for Android. Follow the links or scan the qr code below.

Authenticator app logo in Apple App Store

QR code for Google Authenticator on Apple App store

Authenticator logo in Google Play Store

QR code for Google Authenticator on Google Play store

Enable & Link Authenticator in Google

ENABLE IN YOUR ACCOUNT

On your computer, log in to your Google account and navigate to the security area to set up Google Authenticator (or go directly to your Security page and skip to step 5 below)

In the upper right corner click on your picture then click the Manage your Google Account button.
Click Security in the column on the left.
Under the Signing in to Google section click on 2-Step Verification
Enter your passphrase if prompted.
Click on the chevron in the Authenticator app section.
Click the Set up authenticator button.

LINK TO YOUR PHONE

On your mobile device, open the Google Authenticator app to finish the setup process.

You will be presented with the screens below. Tap Get Started. On the second step you can link to your GBSD account or you can bypass that choice by selecting "Use Authenticator without an account".

Please Note: GBSD Technology Services recommends you DO NOT link to your GBSD account. Doing so can lock you out when doing a passphrase change on your account.
Tap the plus sign (1) in the lower right corner, then select scan a QR code (2).
Scan the QR code with your mobile device and click Next on the computer.
A six-digit code will display in the app. This code changes every 60 seconds.
On the Computer, enter the six-digit code from the app, then click Verify.
Set up is now complete! Please go to the next section to learn how to use Multi-Factor Authentication.

Continue

Now that you have 2-Step Verification set up, learn how to login to your Google account using MFA.