Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • An Android smartphone with internet access.
  • A Google, Microsoft, or Authy account (depending on the authenticator you choose).
  • Access to the accounts you wish to secure with 2FA (e.g., email, social media, banking).

Downloading the Authenticator App

You can choose between Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy based on your preferences. Below are the steps to download each app.

Google Authenticator

  1. Open Google Play Store:

    • Locate and tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android device.

  2. Search for Google Authenticator:

    • In the search bar at the top, type "Google Authenticator" and tap the search icon.

  3. Install the App:

    • Find Google Authenticator by Google LLC.
    • Tap Install and wait for the download and installation to complete.

  4. Open the App:

    • Once installed, tap Open or locate the app icon in your app drawer.

Microsoft Authenticator

  1. Open Google Play Store:

    • Locate and tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android device.

  2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator:

    • In the search bar at the top, type "Microsoft Authenticator" and tap the search icon.

  3. Install the App:

    • Find Microsoft Authenticator by Microsoft Corporation.
    • Tap Install and wait for the download and installation to complete.

  4. Open the App:

    • Once installed, tap Open or locate the app icon in your app drawer.

Authy

  1. Open Google Play Store:

    • Locate and tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android device.

  2. Search for Authy:

    • In the search bar at the top, type "Authy" and tap the search icon.

  3. Install the App:

    • Find Authy by Authy, Inc.
    • Tap Install and wait for the download and installation to complete.

  4. Open the App:

    • Once installed, tap Open or locate the app icon in your app drawer.

Setting Up the Authenticator App

After downloading your chosen authenticator app, follow the steps below to set it up and add your accounts.

Adding Accounts to Google Authenticator

  1. Open Google Authenticator:

    • Launch the app from your home screen or app drawer.

  2. Begin Setup:

    • If it's your first time, tap Get Started.
    • Otherwise, tap the + (plus) icon usually located at the bottom right corner.

  3. Choose Account Type:

    • Select "Scan a QR code" or "Enter a setup key".
    • Note: You'll need access to the account you want to secure (e.g., Gmail, Facebook) to generate the QR code or setup key.

  4. Generate QR Code on Your Account:

    • Log into the account you wish to secure.
    • Navigate to the Security or Two-Factor Authentication settings.
    • Choose to set up 2FA and select the option to use an authenticator app.
    • A QR code will be displayed.

  5. Scan QR Code:

    • In Google Authenticator, tap "Scan a QR code".
    • Grant camera permissions if prompted.
    • Align the QR code within the frame to scan.

  6. Verification:

    • Once scanned, the account will appear in Google Authenticator with a 6-digit code.
    • Enter this code back on your account's 2FA setup page to verify and complete the setup.

Adding Accounts to Microsoft Authenticator

  1. Open Microsoft Authenticator:

    • Launch the app from your home screen or app drawer.

  2. Begin Setup:

    • If it's your first time, tap "Add account".
    • Otherwise, tap the + (plus) icon usually located at the top right corner.

  3. Choose Account Type:

    • Select "Personal account", "Work or school account", or "Other (Google, Facebook, etc.)" based on the account you're adding.

  4. Generate QR Code on Your Account:

    • Log into the account you wish to secure.
    • Navigate to the Security or Two-Factor Authentication settings.
    • Choose to set up 2FA and select the option to use an authenticator app.
    • A QR code will be displayed.

  5. Scan QR Code:

    • In Microsoft Authenticator, tap "Scan QR code".
    • Grant camera permissions if prompted.
    • Align the QR code within the frame to scan.

  6. Verification:

    • Once scanned, the account will appear in Microsoft Authenticator with a 6-digit code.
    • Enter this code back on your account's 2FA setup page to verify and complete the setup.

Adding Accounts to Authy

  1. Open Authy:

    • Launch the app from your home screen or app drawer.

  2. Set Up Authy (First-Time Users Only):

    • Enter Your Phone Number:
      • Authy uses your phone number to secure your tokens.
      • Enter your phone number and tap Next.
    • Verify Your Phone Number:
      • Choose a verification method (SMS or voice call).
      • Enter the verification code you receive and tap Verify.

  3. Begin Adding Accounts:

    • Tap the + (plus) icon usually located at the bottom right corner of the screen.

  4. Choose Account Type:

    • Select "Other" if adding accounts like Google, Facebook, etc.
    • Alternatively, for supported services, Authy may list specific options.

  5. Generate QR Code on Your Account:

    • Log into the account you wish to secure.
    • Navigate to the Security or Two-Factor Authentication settings.
    • Choose to set up 2FA and select the option to use an authenticator app.
    • A QR code will be displayed.

  6. Scan QR Code:

    • In Authy, tap "Scan QR code".
    • Grant camera permissions if prompted.
    • Align the QR code within the frame to scan.

  7. Verification:

    • Once scanned, the account will appear in Authy with a 6-digit code.
    • Enter this code back on your account's 2FA setup page to verify and complete the setup.

Using the Authenticator

Once you've set up your authenticator app and added your accounts, here's how to use them effectively.

Generating Codes

Both Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that refresh every 30 seconds. Here's how to use them:

  1. Open the Authenticator App:

    • Launch Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy on your Android device.

  2. Locate Your Account:

    • Browse through the list of added accounts to find the one you need.

  3. View the Code:

    • Each account displays a 6-digit code alongside a countdown timer indicating when the code will refresh.

Logging into Your Accounts with 2FA

  1. Initiate Login:

    • Go to the login page of the account you wish to access (e.g., Gmail, Facebook).

  2. Enter Credentials:

    • Input your username/email and password as usual.

  3. Enter the 2FA Code:

    • After submitting your credentials, you'll be prompted to enter the 2FA code.
    • Open your authenticator app and locate the relevant account.
    • Enter the current 6-digit code displayed.

  4. Access Granted:

    • If the code is correct and within the valid time frame, you'll gain access to your account.