How to Download Google Authenticator on Mac UPDATED

How to Download Google Authenticator on Mac

Google Authenticator is a super-handy app when you need an extra layer of data protection. Sadly, Google Authenticator is all the same just available on mobile devices, only alternative methods are available that employ Google's authentication protocol.

When it comes to two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, you have the Google Authenticator, or y'all have a 3rd-party app that creates Google 2FA codes for apps or online accounts. These apps take Google'south hush-hush authentication code to serve up two-factor authentication (2FA). This process works for apps or online accounts that apply Google Authenticator.

Other authenticator apps can manage authentication codes using an app's 2FA setup code directly instead of using Google'south secret hallmark code to create those 2FA codes.

Basically, Google Authenticator receives a scanned code from the app that is setting upwards 2FA, and then it produces a 2FA code to admission the app or online business relationship. However, since it only works on Android and iOS devices, it cannot work on desktop PCs straight. Therefore, you lot either add a desktop authenticator app that accepts 2FA setup codes from other apps and online accounts or permit the third-party app handle Google authentication using Google's secret authenticator code. Here are your options.

Copy Google'southward Secret Hallmark Code to a Third-Party Authenticator

Google's secret authentication code serves as the doorway to creating 2FA codes that work with Google Authenticator, even though you utilise the code on a third-party app. Here'due south how to obtain it.

1. Go to your Google Account Security folio, gyre downwards to the "Signing in to Google" section, then click on "ii-Step Verification."
   
2. Verify it'southward you lot by inbound your login credentials. Choose the correct gmail business relationship via the dropdown list under your name, and so enter your password in the field provided. Click on "Next" to proceed.
   
3. Click "TURN ON" to enable ii-step verification. If it's already on, the button will say "TURN OFF," then skip to Step 5.
   
4. If y'all just turned on ii-Step Verification in Step 3, follow the prompts, including providing the telephone information.
5. In the "Authenticator App" section, click on "Prepare."
   
6. Go on through the prompts until you reach the QR code scan. Click on "CAN'T Scan IT?"
7. Copy the hush-hush authentication code that appears. You tin can paste it into Windows Notepad or Mac TextEdit in example the clipboard content gets lost in the next steps.
8. Open your third-party authenticator and paste the code into the proper section where information technology asks for the Google Authenticator key.

By post-obit the above steps to export your Google Authenticator hole-and-corner code, you take the necessary information to set your third-party authenticators.

Here are some third-party authentication apps that work with accounts or apps that use Google Authenticator.

WinAuth

WinAuth is one of many two-pace hallmark apps congenital for use on Windows PCs. The app is no longer updated (since 2017), but you can requite it a try. For WinAuth to piece of work, the Microsoft.Net framework is required. Here's how to install and set upwards WinAuth.

1. Once y'all've downloaded WinAuth, unzip the file and launch the application.
2. Next, click on the "Add together" push in the lower left corner of the awarding window.
3. Select "Google" to use Google Authenticator.
4. The Google Authenticator window opens. Insert your shared key from Google to obtain the TOTP (time-based old password).
5. Go to your Google Account and open up the "Settings" folio.
6. Enable the "Two-step hallmark" selection.
7. Click the "Switch to app" button.
8. Side by side, select your device.
9. Click the "Continue" button.
10. You volition come across a barcode. However, WinAuth doesn't support these. Instead, click the "Tin't scan the barcode" link.
11. Google volition show y'all the secret key. Highlight the key and re-create information technology.
12. Head back to the WinAuth app and paste the key in section 1.
    
13. Click the "Verify Authenticator" button in section ii. A one-fourth dimension countersign gets generated.
14. You should remember to proper name this authenticator if y'all accept several Google Authenticator accounts.
15. Copy the i-time password and head to your Google Account. Detect the "Security Settings" page. Paste the password at that place.
16. Click the "Verify and Save" button.
17. Click the "OK" push once Google displays the confirmation window.

How to Utilise Authy on Linux, macOS, and Windows 10

Authy is a Google Authenticator solution for iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems. Aye, you don't need a browser or a mobile device to utilize Authy—just the desktop app. Here'due south how to set up Authy on your Mac or Windows desktop PC.

1. Launch Chrome and download Authy.
   
2. Select the download and choose "Open" or "Install."
   
3. On Mac, slide the app to the "Applications" folder in the window that appears. For Windows x, skip to Step 4.
   
4. On Mac, open up "Launchpad." For Windows 10, skip the Step 5.
   
5. On Mac, double-click on "Authy" inside Launchpad. For Windows, launch the app from your "Start Menu."
   
6. In Mac, Click on "Open" to ostend you want to launch the desktop app you lot downloaded. On Windows ten, skip to Stride 7.
   
7. In the "Twilio Authy Account Setup" window, click on the "Country box" and select your country from the dropdown options.
   
8. Enter your mobile phone number and click on "Next."
   
9. Select "SMS" or "Phone Telephone call" to receive your verification code.
   
10. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile telephone number.
    
11. Authy returns to the main business relationship window, displaying any currently retrieved two-factor authentication (2FA) accounts, if any.
    
12. Click on "Settings" at the bottom, then select "General."
    
13. In the "Master Countersign" row, click on "Enable" if i is not already present.
    
14. Enter your desired Master Password ih the field provided and click "Enable."
    
15. Ostend the Master Password past retyping it in the field provided, then click on "Confirm" to relieve it.
    
16. Yous now have a Master Password established in your Authy account. Next, click the "+ icon" to begin calculation the desired authenticator account.
    
17. Authy currently does non read QR codes. Follow the desired app'southward procedures to gear up up 2FA. Re-create the ASCII code provided. Paste the code into the Authy code box, then click on "Add Account."
    

If you lot completed the to a higher place steps in Authy to add 2FA apps or login accounts, they should now appear in your Authy business relationship list. Authy on a desktop PC doesn't work with QR codes because it can't scan them. Regardless, the nice matter nigh Authy is that it doesn't require a browser with an add-on extension because it is an actual desktop/mobile app.

While not perfect, 2-step verification (a.g.a., 2FA, or two-cistron authentication) significantly improves your online security on whatsoever desktop estimator, whether Linux, Windows 10, or macOS. Authy is an fantabulous alternative to being stuck with a mobile app or browser extension/add-on. Add the 2FA option to your desired app and then head over to your Authy app to set information technology upwards!

How to Download Google Authenticator on Mac UPDATED