How not to enter a code with Google 2-Step Verification. Google 2-Step Verification Guide

Protecting our accounts

Until quite recently, many users practically did not even think about how to somehow additionally protect their various accounts from access by outsiders. As a rule, such bundles as login and password did an excellent job with this task. And for accounts in the mail, on social networks and on forums, more protection was not required. But then they came to us! People began to get rich quickly and fabulously, and where there is a lot of money, there are those who want to take it away.

News about the hacking of exchanges and wallets, followed by the theft of millions and billions of $$$ began to appear regularly. In some cases, the services themselves were to blame, as they did not pay enough attention to security and left holes in the fence. But in most cases, the fault lies with the users themselves: the password is 12345, and even one for all occasions (and not to forget), accessing the network through a public Wi-Fi point (after all, it is so convenient), and without subsequently logging out of the account (and why, because then you have to log in again) and all this is in front of everyone (and I have nothing to hide) - people love this, they know how, they practice it.

Because of this, both the services themselves suffered, receiving complaints and inadequate reviews, and users, on their nerves, biting their elbows. And in order to minimize the occurrence of such situations, everyone and crypto wallets began to implement such a protective function as two-factor authentication or 2FA for short. But even now, many continue to persistently ignore it - either because of ignorance, or because of laziness, or because of something else.

And as you may have guessed, today we will look at what this 2FA is and how to use it. And for example, let's take one of the most popular applications for this - Google Authenticator.

What is 2FA and Google Authenticator

2FA is a user authentication method that requires two levels of security (rather than one as before) to pass before gaining access to an account. These are the degrees of protection:

1. account password;
2. a unique digital code that is generated by a special application installed on a mobile device.

Google Authenticator is a 2FA application that generates a unique one-time 6-digit code every 30 seconds.

I will show on the example of an Android application, but if someone has iOS, then it's okay, everything is identical there. Now together we will connect 2FA on several crypto exchanges and consider the nuances that may be.

Two-factor authentication, Binance exchange

He will start with the TOP exchange, which everyone has been talking about lately.

On it, you can configure 2FA not only for entry, but also for various actions, for example, for withdrawal, which we will do. To access the two-factor authentication settings, go to the "Security" section, then to the "Two-Factor Authentication" tab:

Opposite the "Funding" section, click the "Setup" button to access the settings:

First select the 2FA method - I chose "TOTP mode using Google Authenticator". In this mode, a new unique code is generated every 30 seconds, and we already know it from the first two examples. Then I unchecked the replenishment of the balance, but left it on the withdrawal - if someone hacks my account and makes a deposit, then I will only thank him, but the 2FA code will be needed for the withdrawal. I left the algorithm for the code as SHA1 by default, although you can choose more complex ones. I left the code length as 6 digits, although both 7 and 8 characters are available. After filling out the form, click "Continue":

In the upper field (1) we check again the options we selected earlier. In the center (2) is a 16-digit key and a QR code - use what you like best. And in the line "One-time Password" (3) enter the first generated code after the exchange account is connected to the application. Now do not forget to take a screenshot of the screen to save the key and code. And only after that we press the "Confirm" button.

So, using the example of three exchanges, we looked at how you can connect 2FA using the Google Authenticator application.

For cryptocurrency wallets that support 2FA, everything will work in a similar way, but there may be minimal differences. Therefore, having made such a binding once on any one account, there should be no problems with other accounts.

If you suddenly want to disable 2FA, then do all these steps again. Only by going all this way again, the services will allow you to abandon the second level of protection.

Possible problems

Sometimes you may encounter such a problem when your code will not work - and it seems that you are doing everything right, but at the same time, the next time you log into your account, you see the inscription - Wrong code. This can happen due to the fact that time is lost. To fix this, go to the Google Authenticator app and click on the "..." button in the upper right corner to bring up the menu, in which select "Settings" (1), then "Time correction for codes" (2), after which click the "Synchronize" button (3):

In most cases this helps. If that doesn't work, then the only option is to write to support so that they deactivate 2FA for your account and you can log in using only the password. But be prepared for the fact that in return you may be asked for different information about your account - what is the balance, what coins are there, what transactions have been carried out recently, what have you bought, what have you sold, etc.

The next problem that anyone can face is when something happens to your mobile device. It can be stolen, it can break, you can accidentally delete both the Google Authenticator app itself and any account in it.

Let's start with the last point. You can have one account in the application, or hundreds of different ones. And so that by mistake (and by chance it won’t work) not to delete the one you need, I recommend not leaving the default names, but renaming the accounts (just write the name of the service, as in the screenshot above). Then it will always be clear what kind of account it is and the risk of accidental deletion will be nullified.

In case of theft or breakdown of the device, in order not to be left with nothing, always save QR codes as a picture, and 16-digit keys in text form or copy them to paper. I talked about this in the example with the Binance exchange. If you have the code and key saved in a safe place, you can always access your account by installing the Google Authenticator app on a new device.

If you are doing everything right again, but the codes do not work, then contact support.

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Hi all! Today we'll talk about securing your account with Google Authenticator. We will show you how to properly connect the authenticator on a computer and use it with or without a phone.

Recently, the protection of personal data and accounts has become very relevant. More and more users are trying to connect the verification of additional parameters at the entrance and strengthen the protection of their accounts. One of the best mobile authentication software is Google Authenticator.

What is it and how to connect?

Google Authenticator is a mobile application that provides two-factor account protection by generating an additional code that must be provided before logging into an account. This program can be used to protect a Google account, VKontakte page and other accounts.

The main features of the program:

1. Generation of new codes without connecting to the Internet or cellular communications;
2. Support for multiple accounts and users;
3. Easy GA setup and interface minimalism;
4. Support on Android, iOS and BlackBerry.

GA app works enough simple and effective- you download the program itself from the Play Market, then in account settings where supported two-factor authentication, enable this option. Launch the application on your phone and use the camera to recognize the QR code, or enter the specified key, after confirmation, enter the updated access code.

You can add the device through which you open the page to the trusted list, so that do not enter the code all the time.For example, such authentication for a Google account can be enabled on the account security settings page. To enter the Contact, you can also set verification through Google Authenticator. More on video:

Google Authenticator on computer online?

Many users are wondering if it is possible to install this application on a PC and use it directly on Desktop. I was able to run the authenticator through the emulator Nox App Player.

Such emulators create an identical copy of the Android device on the computer and allow you to run almost all applications and many games through it. There is a choice among emulators - Nox, BlueStacks, Andy, Droid4x. I stopped the choice on Knox. It turned out to be very easy, fast and free. Plus, happy great compatibility Android applications and a wide range of settings.

For a successful launch, you need to do everything step by step:

The program works and performs all functions, but there is a small problem with scanning QR codes. The fact is that the webcam mirrors such a code and it is not recognized. I removed this problem in the following way - I made a screen, threw it into a normal Pain t, enlarged the image and made horizontal display. Everything was immediately recognized and I connected without problems.

2-Step Verification enhances account security. If it is enabled, two components are used for login:

• Something that only you know (for example, a password).
• Something that only you have (for example, a phone or an electronic key).

Step 1: Set up two-step verification

1. Open the Google Account page.
2. Safety.
3. In chapter Sign in to your Google account click 2-Step Verification.
4. Select To begin.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Select the second authentication step

When setting up the second stage of authentication, you can choose one of several confirmation methods: phone notification, SMS, voice call or electronic key.

After you enter your username and password on the login page, Google will send a 6-digit verification code to your phone. Enter it in the appropriate field on the screen. You can choose how you prefer to receive codes: via SMS or voice call.

Electronic key

- This is a small device with which you can confirm that the Google account belongs to you. Simply connect it to your phone, tablet or computer when needed.

The security key provides additional security and allows you to sign in without your phone.

Notice from Google

When you sign in to your account, you will receive a notification on your phone. Confirm it's you by selecting Yes. If you click "No", Google will know that someone else is trying to log into your account and prevent hackers from hacking into your account.

- a safer and faster way to log into your account than a confirmation code.

Step 2: Set up fallbacks

Set up backup methods for logging into your account in case you forget your password or lose your phone. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Account page.
2. From the navigation bar on the left, select Safety.
3. In chapter Sign in to your Google account click "2-Step Verification".
4. Select To begin.
5. Click Choose another way.
6. Choose the appropriate option, for example:

Step 3: Change your account recovery information

With a backup email address and phone number, you can restore access to your account if it gets hacked or you forget your password.

How to add or change a backup email address

1. Open the Google Account page.
2. Personal data.
3. In chapter Contact Information select Email.
4. Enter or update a backup email address.

How to add or change a backup phone number

1. Open the Google Account page.
2. On the navigation bar on the left, click Personal data.
3. In chapter Contact Information select Telephone.
4. Enter or update a backup phone number.

2-Step Verification with Google

Your Google account needs enhanced security because it is used to access your credit card information for making purchases in the Google Play app store, important messages, documents and letters, and even YouTube videos. Luckily, the tech giant implemented a two-factor authentication system back in 2010.

Google calls this system “2-Step Verification”. This method allows you to identify the user using a mobile device. When you enable 2-Step Verification with Google, there are several options available to the user. The first option is called Google Prompt - the user simply adds their smartphone to the account and checks that the Google search application is installed on the device. Then, when you try to log into your account, you will need to confirm on your smartphone that you are doing it personally.

If that doesn't work, you'll have to enter an additional code, which will be sent to your smartphone via SMS text message, voice call, or using the Google Authenticator app. In your personal account, you can register your computer so that you do not need to enter a code at each authorization. If you have an enterprise G Suite account, you can set up a code every 30 days.

Google Authenticator can generate an authentication code even if the smartphone is not connected to the Internet. You need to enable 2-Step Verification first. The application will then scan the QR code on the desktop screen, and then generate one-time passwords depending on the time or counter value that will need to be entered in the appropriate field. This method replaces text messages, voice calls, or email messages. Google Authenticator works with other services such as LastPass, Facebook, Evernote, Microsoft, Dropbox and Slack.

Once you've set up Google 2-Step Verification, visit the settings section of your Google account again. This will allow you to set up the phone number where passcodes will be sent to, switch to using Google Authenticator and access 10 backup codes that can be printed in case of emergencies (for example, your smartphone battery is dead and you cannot access the authentication app ).

In this interface, you can create application passwords. Let's say you want to use a Google account in a service that doesn't support standard Google authorization. In case you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need an app password to use your Google account on the service.

How to enable two-factor authentication on Google

1. Click on the profile page in the upper right corner of the screen and click on the “My Account” button.
2. After the account page loads, select the "Security and Login" page.
3. In the "Password and login method" section, select "Two-step verification".
4. At this point, if you want to make changes to the authentication process, Google may ask you to re-enter your password. Enter your password to continue with security setup.
5. Now you can set up 2-Step Verification. Click the "Get Started" button.
6. Enter your phone number. You will be able to receive text messages or phone calls to this number. Select the desired option and click "Next".
7. You will then receive an SMS message or a phone call with an access code. Just enter the numbers without the “-G” prefix and click “Next”.
8. After that, the next page will open with the message “It worked! Enable 2-Step Verification?”. Click "Enable".

After that, you can go to the 2-step verification setup page, where you can set up an alternate second factor in case you can't receive text messages or voice calls. Please note that the option to receive codes via SMS is used by default. The performance of this method depends on your mobile operator. Also, this method is less secure than other available methods. Another very popular option is to use the Google Authenticator or Google Prompt app. They also require a mobile device.

How to add Google Authenticator as a second factor of authentication

1. Install the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device
2. Go to the Google Account 2-Step Verification setup page and in the “Authenticator App” panel, click the “Create” button
3. Select the operating system of your smartphone - Android or iOS and click "Next"
4. Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device and select the “Scan Barcode” option
5. Scan the QR code that is displayed on the computer screen and click Next
6. The mobile phone screen will display “secret code saved” notification and display a numeric code. Enter this code on the computer and click "Confirm"

How to add Google Prompt as a second factor of authentication

1. Go to the Google Account 2-Step Verification setup page and in the “Google Prompt” panel, click the “Add Phone” button
2. On the next screen, click "Get Started"
3. Then select the phone linked to your Google account. Make sure your phone has the Google search app installed and is connected to the Internet. Click "Next".
4. In the notification that appears on your mobile phone, click the "Yes" button.
5. Then click the "Finish" button on the computer. Google Prompt setup is complete.

How to create a Google app password

An app password is a 16-digit passcode that gives an app or device permission to access your Google Account. If you're using 2-Step Verification and you're seeing an "incorrect password" error when you try to sign in to your Google account, an app password might solve the problem. In most cases, you will only need to enter your app password once per app or device, so don't worry about remembering it.

1. Click on the “app passwords” link in the “Password and login method” section of the Google account security settings page. You may be asked to sign in to your Google account.
2. Select the application you are using from the drop down list at the bottom.
3. In the next drop-down list, select the device you are using.
4. Click the "Create" button.
5. Follow the instructions to enter the app password (16-digit code in the yellow line) on your device.
6. Click Finish.

Everyone who uses Google services, be it GMail or any other service, has probably heard of an additional way to protect your account from theft and hacking called “two-step authentication”. This method adds an additional code to the mandatory entry of the user account name and password, which can be obtained using one of the available methods (via SMS, voice call, smartphone application) and must be specified during authentication. Thus, even if the villain gets your account name and password, he will still not be able to do anything with the account itself and the top-secret data contained in it.

Many people refuse to use two-factor authentication because of the fear that it is very difficult and generally inconvenient to enter an additional code every time. In fact, it's easy to set up two-step verification and it's not necessary to constantly enter codes on frequently used computers, and the knowledge that your data is securely well compensates for possible minor inconveniences.

2-Step Verification via SMS and voice call

So let's go to security settings for your Google account. There is an item called "2-Step Verification" with the status "Off". Feel free to click the "Change" button. At this stage and in subsequent steps, Google may ask you to re-enter your account password. This is normal and there is nothing to worry about.

A beautiful picture appears before us, clearly illustrating the principle of two-step authentication. If you wish, watch a video with additional information, and then click "Proceed to setup."

Now we need to specify the phone number to which the access codes for the account will be sent. Then we choose the option of delivering codes: in the form of SMS or incoming call. SMS is somehow more practical. Click "Submit Code".

Your number will receive an SMS with a six-digit confirmation code, which you need to specify in the next step. We enter, we confirm.

Reliable and unreliable computers

Next comes a very important part of the setup. Google prompts you to determine if the computer you are currently using is trustworthy. The point is that for reliable computers, entering the code to enter your account is enough to do once every thirty days. Reliability here refers to the fact that other people have access to this computer.

Perhaps, only a home car can be called a reliable computer in this situation, and only on the condition that no one except you sits down at it. We boldly mark working and other computers as unreliable, that is, uncheck the “Reliable computer” item. Click "Confirm".

App and device passwords

The next step is to create application passwords. This is necessary because some applications do not access your Google account through a browser. The process of creating passwords is much simpler than it might seem. What's more, you only need to create these passwords once and you don't have to remember them.

So, we press the "Create passwords" button and along the way we remember which devices and applications access our Google account. For each such device and application, you need to come up with an identifier, that is, a name.

Among the most likely devices/applications will most likely be an Android smartphone/tablet (if any). We write a name for the password (for example, "My Android"), and then click "Create Password".

The system will generate a password that you need to enter instead of the current password for your Google account on your mobile device.

You also need to create a password for Chrome Browser's settings and settings synchronization feature (for example, named "Chrome Sync"). If you're using the standalone Google Talk app, you'll need a password for that as well. As a result, you will get a list of passwords with names. In the future, if necessary, you can change or cancel any of the created passwords for applications and devices.

Completing the setup

In fact, two-step authentication is already working, and now when you try to enter mail and another Google service after entering your login and password, you will see this screen asking you to enter the code.

If we return to Google account security settings, now the item "2-Step Verification" has the status "Enabled".

Additional activities along the way

By the way, while you are on settings page, do not be too lazy to go to the "Password Recovery Options" section and make sure that you have a phone number for situations when you forgot your account password, or your account was hacked.

Also make sure you remember your security question/answer to gain access to your account.

Alternative ways to get codes

You may want to use an alternative way to get codes to sign in to your account. To do this, you need to return to the Google account security settings page, and then click the "Edit" button next to the "2-step verification" item.

In the window that appears, there is a section "How to receive codes". Here you can add an additional number to receive codes in case you do not have access to the main phone number.

Google Authenticator

If you have a smartphone on iOS, Android or a mobile device from RIM, then you can install a special Google Authenticator application that will replace incoming SMS with codes.

Consider the principle of the authenticator on the example of Android.

Acting according to the instructions, download the Google Authenticator application from the Play Store to your smartphone. When launched, the application will offer you 2 ways to set up: manually entering an account and password, or scanning a QR code, which is located on the page with instructions for installing the application.

If you select the QR code option, the authenticator may ask you to install a scanner app. We agree and set. After that, we scan the QR code on the settings page and enter the code generated by the application.

In the future, if you need to enter the code, you just need to run the application and enter the generated code.

leaf way

A situation can happen to everyone when the phone is forgotten at home, and with it the authenticator application and the ability to receive SMS. In such a case, it is useful to play it safe and use backup codes.

You can simply copy them on a piece of paper and print, and then carry them in your wallet. Each such code is one-time, and when the printed codes begin to come to an end, it is enough to request the generation of a new pack of codes.

We hope this guide will help you.