What is Google Authenticator? How to install and configure it on my Android

We no longer only have social networks to socialize; we also maintain private data, business information, or a type of content that we do not want to be violated. Likewise, there are also wallets such as PayPal, and all kinds of App that may require an extra dose of security, apart from the platform’s own system.

With these effects Google Authenticator is created: Its objective is strengthen tightness in safety of mobile applications; limiting the possibility of intruders or hackers. Therefore, and if you have just doubted the effectiveness of the privacy methods of some websites, we know that this tool will help you trust your phone as if it were a safe.

How is Google Authenticator defined and what do I need to register?

It is a mobile application that uses a two-step setup method, with which it is intended to confirm the identity of the person who has logged in. In this way, not only is the password chosen to register on the platform enough (considering that it is very vulnerable); rather, a numerical code is issued to the owner’s mobile.

Said code has a multiple purpose: Confirm your opening of session, and inform that someone has sought to enter if it has not been the user properly. In this way, it is both a credential and an alarm that seeks to keep data, money, and confidential information safe.

One of its most recent updates includes the ability to export accounts using Google Authenticator: It manages to transmit data while maintaining the security, codes and tightness offered by the app. The only condition is that they must be compatible, have a version of Android 4.4 or higher, for that it is necessary that you first make sure you know exactly what Android system you have added to your mobile.

How does Google Authenticator work?

As we can see, the security method it handles is a security code to verify identity, which is received to the Smartphone where it is installed and configured the program; or a QR code to export, which is accessed when opening the mobile application.

These credentials are different and are updated approximately every 20 seconds; Furthermore, the mobile phone does not need a Wi-Fi connection for the figure to be broadcast: it detects a login automatically through the synchronized software.

On the other hand, the application linked to Google Authenticator not only conforms to the combination that you enter manually (if you do not use a QR code); but has the authenticator information, allowing you to know if the entered numbers are valid or not. In this way, not only is it enough that you have seen the figure on the screen, but the platform you are trying to access also does its job.

How to configure Google Authenticator step by step on my Android mobile?

The affiliation is done individually with the compatible applications, which are all of Google, or also Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Hotmail and PayPal. They handle a type of similar configuration in all cases.

1. Activate verification using Authentication App: Go to your account settings and in the “Security or” Security and Privacy “section, locate the way in which you want the web to confirm your identity. This can be through a code by text messaging, or by allowing the authenticator app access – choose this second to give Google Authenticator permission.
2. Scan the QR code or pass phrase: By accepting the above, two codes will appear on the screen of the issuing website; one of type QR and others that can be numbers or letters.
3. Enter any of these in Google Authenticator: If you are configuring from a different device, you can use the scanner; but if you synchronize using the same device, use the encrypted code.
4. Confirm the synchronization in the App: The way to finish the process is to return to the App that you are synchronizing, to place the numbers that appear in Google Authenticator, just after having informed that the account was added correctly. Thus the app will already be linked and from the next login you will receive the confirmation numbers to the linked Smartphone.