Google Authenticator Setup Guide for Google Workspace

Help users enroll in Google Authenticator for Google Workspace with platform-specific instructions, rollout tips, and backup best practices.

Identity
KB-20251117-GWS-GAUTHUpdated November 17, 20257 minutesCloud Engineering

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Open the Google Authenticator setup page

Google Authenticator Setup Guide for Google Workspace

When to Use Google Authenticator in Your Environment

Google Authenticator is a straightforward way to add time-based one-time codes as a second factor on top of Google Workspace passwords.

It is often the first step for organizations moving from SMS-based 2-Step Verification to app-based codes that offer better resistance to phishing and interception.

Admins can combine authenticator codes with context-aware access, device management rules, and IP-based policies to dial in the right level of protection for different user groups.

End-User Setup Flow at a Glance

Users install Google Authenticator from the Play Store or App Store, then sign in to their Google Workspace account on a computer and open the Security → 2-Step Verification page.

From there they choose Authenticator app as the second step, select Android or iPhone, and scan the QR code that Google displays in the browser.

After confirming a test code, Google Workspace will start prompting for a 6-digit code from the app during future sign-ins that require 2-Step Verification.

Using the Interactive Setup Page with Your Team

The dedicated Google Authenticator setup page at /google-authenticator provides side-by-side instructions, QR code download links, and contact options for your staff.

During rollout, include that URL in your enrollment announcements so users always land on a single, trusted help page maintained by NTS.

For organizations with mixed Android and iOS fleets, the page is especially useful because it clearly separates the steps for each platform.

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