How to use Google Authenticator

Authenticator provides a strong security with two-step authentication. But many people would use it intuitively. It can be used only to read the QR code by pressing a button. However, there is a risk to fail the authentication without knowing it well.

Now, I’ll tell you how to use Google Authenticator.

Basic usage

You can scan a QR code by tapping the cross key then tapping the camera icon.

If you save this QR code as an image instead of scanning it directly, two-step authentication will not fail even if you do not back it up.

The details are below.

Never Fail to two-step Authentication

I know it's sudden but, have you ever failed to two-step authentication (2FA) ? There are the cases not to use 2FA by lo...

This way works for apps which cannot back up the authentication codes.

The case you cannot scan a code

Only a set of verification codes would be backed up. So you cannot scan a new code, if you don’t connect there. You have to change the Google account where it is backed up. Click ” ” in the upper right corner to switch the account.

Once the verification codes are restored, you will use them as so, or scan a new code after deleting them all.

Change the order of codes

Drag the code, then you can change the order.

You will move the code using frequently to the top.

Change a code name

As there are too many codes, you cannot remember which is which.

You can change a code name by swiping or flicking the code.

Change the name easy to remember. The changed name is displayed after a domain name. If the domain name is too long, it will be difficult to find. But if you type a character in Search, the candidates are displayed. So if you insert a character which is not used in other codes, you can find it easily.

Also, you can specify the backup destination here.

Delete a code

You can delete a code by swiping or flicking it to the left.

A confirmation dialog will appear. If it is okay, delete it.

Update the codes

Pressing Cloud Button, you can update the codes.

When you will add a code or delete a code, press this button.

Be careful to press this backup button. If you choose other account where is not the associated account, the backup set is duplicated. There is a case to fail for 2FA by using the old set.

You got it !