Get verification codes with Google Authenticator

If you set up 2-Step Verification, you can use the Google Authenticator app to generate codes. You can still generate codes without internet connection or mobile service. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.

Keep your Google Authenticator codes synchronized across all your devices

Google Authenticator 6.0 on Android and 4.0 on iOS introduces the option to keep all your verification codes synchronized across all your devices, simply by signing into your Google Account.

Data encryption

Google encrypts data both in transit and at rest across our products. In certain products, we also provide the option of extra protection for your data with end-to-end encryption (E2EE). However, the use of E2EE can lock you out of your data permanently if you forget your password. To ensure a full set of options we will roll out optional E2EE in some of our products, like Google Authenticator, in the near future.

App requirements

To use Google Authenticator on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, you need:

• The latest operating system for your device
• 2-Step Verification turned on

Tip: If you have an iPhone 3G or up, scan a QR code to use Authenticator.

Download Authenticator

INSTALL GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR

Set up Authenticator

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to your Google Account.
2. At the top, tap Security.
   • If at first you don’t get the Security tab, swipe through all tabs until you find it.
   • On some devices, Security is located in the side menu.
3. Under "You can add more sign-in options," tap Authenticator.
   • You may need to sign in.
4. Tap Set up authenticator.
5. Follow the on-screen steps.

Transfer your Google Authenticator codes

If you’re signed in to their Google Account within Google Authenticator, your codes will automatically be backed up and restored on any new device you use.

You can also manually transfer your codes to another device, even if you’re not signed in to a Google Account:
To manually transfer Authenticator codes to a new phone, you need:

• Your old device with Google Authenticator codes
• The latest version of the Google Authenticator app installed on your old phone
• Your new phone

1. On your new phone, install the Google Authenticator app.
2. In the Google Authenticator app, tap Get Started and sign in.
3. Tap Menu Transfer accounts Import accounts.
4. On your old phone, create a QR code:
   1. In the Authenticator app, tap Menu Transfer accounts Export accounts.
   2. Select the accounts you want to transfer to your new phone.
   3. Tap Next.
      • If you transfer more than one account, your old phone may create more than one QR code.
5. On your new phone, tap Scan QR code.

After you scan your QR codes, you’ll get confirmation that your Authenticator accounts have been transferred.

Tip: If your camera can’t scan the QR code, there may be too much information. Try to export again with fewer accounts.

Use Authenticator on multiple accounts

Set up 2-Step Verification for multiple accounts

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

To set up extra accounts:

• Turn on 2-Step Verification for each account. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.
• Use the same Authenticator app for each account.

Turn on privacy screen

For more local protection, you can turn on Privacy Screen in Google Authenticator. This requires a biometric unlock (FaceID or TouchID) before use of the application is granted.

To turn on privacy screen:

• In the Authenticator app, tap Menu Settings Privacy Screen.
• Turn on the toggle.