Google Authenticator (Alternative 2-Factor Verification Method)

Creation date: 9/2/2026 11:55 AM    Updated: 9/2/2026 11:55 AM

Google Authenticator

(for 2-Step Verification)

Overview

Google Authenticator provides a method for completing the 2-step verification.

The instructions provided are designed for users with access to their PC and phone.


Installing Google Authenticator on the Phone

  1. Install the Google Authenticator app from the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android)


2. Click Sign in and enter your Aspire gmail account credentials


!! You must use your Aspire gmail account !!

3. Click Allow if prompted “Start saving codes to this account”

4. Click the plus icon at the bottom right corner (image below)

5.Select "Scan a QR code" (we will bring up the QR code in the next section)


Enabling Authenticator Mode on the PC

  1. Navigate to “Manage your Google account”

!! You must be logged into your Aspire gmail account !!


a. On the PC, open a new web browser
b. Select the profile icon at the top right (may display initials or profile picture)
c. Click “Manage your Google Account”

2. Select “Security & sign-in” (enter your Aspire credentials if prompted)



3. Click Set Up Authenticator, then a QR code will appear, similar to below


Connecting to Google Authenticator on the Phone

  1. On the phone, the camera to scan the QR code should already be open. If not, review step 3 from the first portion of instructions.

  2. After scanning the QR code, click Next and enter the code that populates on your phone


!! You must use your Aspire gmail account !!

3. You may be prompted to verify the action with your account password

Confirm Configuration Changes

  1. Navigate back to Security & Sign In

  2. Ensure “Authenticator” selection appears in the list




3. Select Authenticator. Please note that for security reasons, there may be a short delay before you can start using this method for 2-step verification

a. To remove this delay, you can select "Approve" and complete the prompts that appear

You should be all set to complete 2-factor authentication with the Google Authenticator app.

When logging in to a device, you may need to click “Try another way” and select “Get a verification code from the Google Authenticator app”

Test Google Authenticator Verification

If you would like to try the Google Authentication method without signing out all the way, follow these steps:

  1. On a new tab, click the 3 vertical dots on the top right corner

  2. Then select New Incognito Window

  3. Enter Google Accounts: Sign In and click that option, or copy and paste:
    https://accounts.google.com/v3/signin/identifier?continue=https://accounts.google.com/&followup=https://accounts.google.com/&passive=1209600&flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=ServiceLogin&dsh=S-500211407:1788364133789559

  4. Enter your full email, then your password.

  5. The prompt should default to your “Google Authenticator,” but if it doesn’t then click “Try another way” and select the Google Authenticator option.