Google is rolling out a significant upgrade to Google Authenticator with account sync to the app. If you have never heard of this app, it is one of the most popular apps for generating one-time codes for 2FA. With this app, you can keep your account safe from unauthorized access. After this update, users will no longer need to manually transfer their codes to a new device if they lose or change their device, which can be frustrating. Now, you can back up and restore regulations using your Google account and sync them across multiple devices.
Google Authentication is now safer to recover and switch devices.
This was one of the most-requested features since it was one of the significant disadvantages of using Google Authentication. If you lost or factory reset your device, you would lose all your authentications in one go, making it less convenient and secure. Now, Google will keep syncing, and users can take backup and restore the codes using their Google account, making it easier and safer than before.
This app was first released back in 2010. Since then, it has offered the ability to sign into compatible online accounts with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). These codes are also known as one-time password codes because they can only be used once to sign into your online account. They are used to protect your account from unauthorized access. If you have enabled this for your online account, then when you try to log in, you need to verify the account with your password and then use the 2FA for verification to authenticate the person in real time.
Backup 2-Step Verification Code (One-Time Code) on your Mobile Device
You will not lose your one-time code if you change or lose your mobile device as long as it is synced with your Google account. With the new update, users can now back up this with their Google account, so there is nothing to lose if you change or lose your device. Log in to a different machine with Google Authentication to continue using 2FA.
Make sure to distinguish the 2-Step Verification and One-Time Password (OTP). Both work in the same way, where OTP is usually sent to your mobile or email message as a code, whereas the same goes with 2FA, which gives you a code but requires your password and security key or mobile to sign in. It offers users a code that expires after a short time. Google Authenticator is an extra layer of security that stores 2FA codes which change every 30 seconds, and it does not just work with Google accounts but with many other online services.
However, if you have already set up Google 2FA on your Google account device, you need to generate a backup code or add a mobile recovery number to preserve access to the OTPs in Google Authenticator. Without this, you will not be able to access your Google account, and you will not be able to access your OTPs either. Keep a recovery code and backup safe so you will not lose your Google account or feel complexity while logging into a new device with Google Authentication.
class="wp-block-heading">Google Authentication App has a new design.
It has a new icon for the app, which replaces the previously used “G” logo designed to represent Google, but now it has a triangle making an asterisk symbol. While Google is making other apps with Material, You support, this app still needs to have Material You design.
Additionally, illustrations make it look and feel more modern and user-friendly, aligned with Google design principles. It has a new, improved UX and visual, which looks more visually appealing. With a strong password and two-factor authentication, you can get a high level of security for your online account.
Download New Google Authentication
This is free on Android and iOS, with new functionality that allows you to safely keep a backup of your device. It will protect your online account from risk by using 2-Step Verification. It is recommended to update your Google Authentication if you have already been using it and have enabled the sync on your device, so you will be able to access your online account, which uses 2FA with Google Authentication.
Downlaod
Google Authenticator 6.0
Previously, it was only stored locally on your device. After this sync feature comes Google Authenticator, which you can use on different phones or tablets. If you don’t find this on your device, you can download and install the Google Authenticator APK here. iOS users have to check for Google Authentication v4.0.
How to Enable Google Authentication Cloud Backup – Cloud Sync
Historically, the app didn’t have synchronization capabilities, but now it does to improve the lockout protection and allow service to rely on users maintaining access to boost convenience and security. Noteworthy, as you may have already set up the 2FA by scanning QR Code or entering manually to set up the 2FA for online service.
- Open Google Authentication App.
- Tap on Settings and then tap on Cloud Backup.
- If you still need to sign in, sign in with your Google account and grant the app permission to back up your OTPs.
- Next, tap on Confirmation, and your OTPs are backed up to your Google account.
How to Restore Google Authentication OTA from Cloud Backup – Cloud Sync
- Open Google Authentication App, tap on Get Started, and then tap on Import Existing account.
- Sign in with your Google account and grant permission to restore your OTPs.
- Now, there will be a list of all charges you want to restore. Select those and then tap on Import.
- That’s it. You will see a confirmation message that your OTPs are restored.
Google also added a new app icon available on Android and iOS. This new icon looks more colorful and matches the modern design, just like other Google apps. To protect your account further, Google offers a Google Password Manager, which keeps your credentials stored on Password Manager and allows you to sign in faster with Android and Chrome. The more integrated Password Manager and the third-party support are coming with Android 14; sign in with Google, which allows you to sign in using a Google account and Passkeys to passwordless authentication. This uses a cryptography key instead of a password.
Apple and Google are working on a built-in password manager with Google Chrome Browser. FIDO alliance will bring new secure measures for authentication features with passkeys. Apple added support for this in iOS 16, and Google is expected to bring this with the future update of Android, which could be Android 14. We all know how much passwords get compromised these days. It will be replaced with the upcoming Touch ID and Face ID for more security and more manageable than a password with any current two-factor authentication method.
