---
title: "Tools - Google Authenticator for Mobile Devices"
canonical: "https://support.crosslinktax.com/space/CSC/1869296207/Tools%20-%20Google%20Authenticator%20for%20Mobile%20Devices"
format: markdown
---
> ℹ️ Google Authenticator is a time-based one-time protocol (TOTP) app that can be installed on a mobile device and is used to scan a two-factor authentication (2FA) QR code and assist in the login process.

> 📝 *Any TOTP authentication app can be used to generate an authentication code. However, due to its simplicity, Google Authenticator is the recommended authentication app.*


## **Google Authenticator Device Requirements**

Google Authenticator can be installed on Android and iOS devices. The device requirements are:

- To use Google Authenticator on Android, it must be running Android 4.4 or later.
- To use Google Authenticator on iOS, it must be running iOS 7.0 or later. Additionally, the iOS device must be an iPhone 3G model or later.

 

## **Installing Google Authenticator on Android/iOS**

1. Open the <u><span style="color: #1f73b7">[Play Store](https://vpn.crosslinktax.com/go/https:/play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2&hl=en_US)</span></u> (Android) or <u><span style="color: #1f73b7">[App Store](https://vpn.crosslinktax.com/go/https:/apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605)</span></u> (iOS) app on your mobile device.

2. Search for Google Authenticator on the store.

3. Download and install the app.

 

## **Configuring Google Authenticator on iOS**

1. Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device.

1. Tap **Begin Setup** at the bottom or the **+** at the top (depending if you are already using the app for other codes.)

3. Tap **Scan barcode**.

![image](media://e97bce3f-41f8-4c31-b668-0ebc8c96eeb4)

![image](media://7d768973-e957-4c92-bee6-fd249a5373f1)

4. Use the mobile device’s camera to scan the 2FA QR Code.

![image](media://900abc62-f914-4032-bb46-d8271cec6fcc)

5. A time-based authentication code will appear in the app for the login. This code will change every 30 seconds.

![image](media://3a16d7ef-d8a3-4ba4-9d80-d8dd35ee09ab)


## **Configuring Google Authenticator on Android**

1. Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device.

2. Tap **Get Started** or the **+** button at the bottom of the screen (depending if you are already using the app for other codes.)

3.Tap **Scan QR Code.**

![image](media://e4177ba0-e106-42fb-8f29-d910e0767ac4)

![image](media://354db316-c7d4-4126-a7dd-a75c3a2eca3b)

4. Use the mobile device’s camera to scan the 2FA QR Code. 

5. A time-based authentication code will appear in the app for the login. This code will change every 30 seconds.

![image](media://7f80c0fa-3262-445c-9a42-987f73d83c87)

 

## **Deleting a 2FA Code from Google Authenticator on Android**

1. Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device.

2. Tap the **edit (pencil) icon** on the top right-hand corner of the screen.

![image](media://b82f47ad-9cf6-4f7a-929c-fdf00923e7e7)

3. Tap the 2FA authentication code to select it.

4. Tap **Delete (trashcan) icon** at the bottom of the screen

![image](media://30ec7234-bacd-4074-8f3e-105d47e2f094)

5. **Tap Remove account** on the pop-up window to remove the 2FA authentication code.

> 📝 Learn more at: <u>[Google Authenticator 2FA Support Page](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en)</u>