What is Google Authenticator?

Google Authenticator is a multifactor authentication app developed by Google. It provides an additional layer of security to users' online accounts by generating unique, time-based one-time passcodes. These passcodes are used alongside traditional username and password combinations to verify the identity of the user during the login process.

When enabled for an online account, such as email, social media, or financial services, Google Authenticator generates a temporary six-digit code that users must enter along with their regular credentials. This code changes every 30 seconds, enhancing security by making it difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access even if they have obtained the user's password.

Google Authenticator supports the time-based one-time password algorithm and can be used for various accounts beyond Google services. It is available as a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices, making it convenient for users to access their authentication codes whenever needed.