When an extra layer of security for your data is required, Google Authenticator is a great programme to have on hand. There are currently just mobile versions of Google Authenticator, however other options that use Google’s authentication protocol are available.
The Google Authenticator app, or third-party software that generates Google 2FA codes, is available for use when needing a code for two-factor authentication (2FA) with a website or other service.
For two-factor authentication, these apps can use Google’s private authentication code (2FA). This procedure may be used with any app or online account that supports Google Authenticator.
Instead of generating two-factor authentication tokens with Google’s secret authentication code, other authenticator applications can do it with the app’s own two-factor setup code.
To access the app or online account, users must first scan a code provided by the app enabling 2FA, and then enter that code into Google Authenticator. Unfortunately, it is not directly compatible with desktop PCs because it is only available on Android and iOS mobile devices.
You may either use Google’s secret authenticator code within the third-party app or install a desktop authenticator programme that supports 2FA setup codes from other applications and online accounts. The available choices are shown below.
Copy Google’s Secret Authentication Code to a Third-Party Authenticator
Using Google’s secret authentication code, you can generate 2FA codes that are accepted by Google Authenticator, even if you generate the codes on a different app. Find out where to get it below!
You may enable 2-step verification by visiting the Google Account Security page, scrolling down to the “Signing in to Google” section, and clicking on the button.
Please enter your credentials to verify your identity. Select the appropriate Gmail account from the drop-down menu next to your name, and then type in your password. To proceed, tap the “Next” button.
To activate two-factor authentication, select “TURN ON.” The button should state “TURN OFF” if it is on; otherwise, proceed to Step 5.
Just like in Step 3, provide the requested information, including your phone number, to activate 2-Step Verification.
Select “SET UP” under “Authenticator App.”
Follow the on-screen directions to the point when you may scan the QR code. To access the “CAN’T SCAN IT?” button, select the appropriate option below.
Write down the hidden authentication code that displays. In the event that you lose the content of your clipboard, you can paste it into Windows Notepad or Mac TextEdit.
Copy the code, then open the third-party authenticator and paste it where it asks for the Google Authenticator key.
You may now set up your alternative authenticators with the information you gained by exporting your secret code from Google Authenticator.
Here are several alternatives to Google Authenticator that still provide strong authentication for your online accounts and apps.
Also Read: How to Change Google Password in Just a Minute in Apple and Android
WinAuth
WinAuth is a two-factor authentication programme compatible with Windows computers. This app hasn’t been updated since 2017, however, you may still test it out. The Microsoft.NET framework is essential for the operation of WinAuth. Follow these steps to properly install and configure WinAuth.
After downloading WinAuth, extract the archive and run the programme.
Then, move your mouse to the app’s window‘s bottom left and select “Add.”
To use Google Authenticator, click the “Google” button.
A window for Google Authenticator loads. To get the TOTP, enter your Google shared key (time-based one-time password).
Navigate to the “Settings” page of your Google Account.
Make use of the “Two-step authentication” setting.
To switch to the app, choose it.
Choose your gadget after that.
To proceed, please click the button.
A barcode is something you’ll see. Unfortunately, WinAuth doesn’t work with them. If you are having trouble scanning the barcode, please select the appropriate option.
Look it up on Google, and you’ll see how to unlock the door. Copy the text by highlighting it.
Copy the key and return it to the WinAuth programme to use it in Step 1.
Navigate to Section 2 and hit the Verify Authenticator button. An instantaneous password is produced.
If you have more than one Google Authenticator account, you’ll want to give this one a name.
Take a copy of the temporary code and log into your Google Account there. Navigate to the site’s “Security Settings” page. Copies the code there.
Select the checkbox labeled “Verify and Save.”
When prompted by Google, select “OK” from the pop-up box.
Also Read: A Complete Google Account Recovery Step-By-Step Guide
How to Use Authy on Linux, macOS, and Windows 10
Authy is an alternative to Google Authenticator that works on all major platforms, including Apple’s iOS and Android as well as Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.
The Authy desktop app is all that’s required to utilize the service; no browser or mobile device is necessary. Here’s how to install Authy on a desktop computer running Mac OS X or Windows.
Get Authy by firing up Chrome.
Click “Open” or “Install” to access the file you downloaded.
On a Mac, drag the programme to the “Applications” folder in the new window. If you’re using Windows 10, you may move on to Step 4.
Get “Launchpad” from your dock on a Mac. Step 5 is unnecessary for Windows 10.
To open “Authy” on Launchpad on a Mac, simply double-click the icon. The “Start Menu” is where you may access the programme in Windows.
When prompted on a Mac to open the downloaded desktop programme, select “Open.” If you’re using Windows 10, you may jump forward to Step 7.
Twilio Authy Account Setup has a “Nation box” where you may choose your country from a list.
After entering your number, proceed by clicking “Next.”
To obtain your verification code, click “SMS” or “Phone Call.”
To continue, please key in the verification code that was delivered to your mobile device.
Authy then displays any 2FA accounts that have been obtained since you last used the app.
Select “General” after clicking the “Settings” button.
If a Master Password is not already set up, you may enable one by clicking the “Enable” button in the corresponding row.
Also Read: How to Password Protect an Excel File: Step by Step Guide to Secure a File
In the space provided, type in your chosen Master Password and then choose “Enable.”
After retyping the Master Password in the box given, be sure to click “Confirm” to save the change.
Your Authy account now features a Master Password that you may use for all of your authentication needs. Next, add the relevant authenticator account by clicking the “+” symbol.
The QR code reading capabilities of Authy are temporarily unavailable. Set up two-factor authentication by following the app’s instructions. Just replicate the ASCII text we gave you. Copy the code, then click “Add Account” underneath the Authy code field.
If you followed the instructions above to add 2FA applications or login accounts to Authy, you should see them there now. Desktop versions of Authy are unable to scan QR codes, hence they cannot be used with this method of authentication. Regardless, Authy’s desktop/mobile app form means that it may be used without the need for a browser plugin.
Two-factor authentication (also known as 2-step verification or 2FA) increases the security of your online accounts on desktop computers running Linux, Windows 10, or macOS. Rather than being limited to a mobile app or browser extension/add-on, Authy is a fantastic option. If your chosen app doesn’t already support 2FA, add it and then open Authy to configure it.
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