What is ‘Google Authenticator not working’ issue on Android/Phone?

In this post, we are going to discuss on “How to Fix Google Authenticator not working issue on Android/IPhone”. You will be guided here with easy steps/methods to resolve the issue. Let’s starts the discussion.

‘Google Authenticator’: Google Authenticator is software-based authenticator designed & developed by Google that implements 2-step verification services using the TOTP (Time-based on One-Time Password Algorithm) specified in RFC 6238 and HOTP (HMAC –based One-Time Password algorithm), for authenticating users for software applications. This service is available for Android/IPhone mobile platforms. Google Authenticator generates a 6-digit to 8-digit OTP (One-Time Password) when logging into a site supporting Authenticator like Google services, which users must enter in addition to their usual login details.

However, several Android/IPhone users reported that they faced ‘Google Authenticator not working’ or ‘Google Authenticator codes not working’ issue while they tried to log into their accounts based on Authenticator or that support authenticator like Google Mail (Gmail) service. This error is usually occurred when you try to login into your Google services like Gmail or others that support authenticator using Google Authenticator codes on Android/IPhone device.

The possible reason behind this issue can be the issue with Google Authenticator’s time settings or problem with time sync. You can sync Google Authenticator’s time correctly in order to fix the issue. This issue can also be occurred due to outdated or corrupted Google Authenticator or Authenticator app on your mobile. You can update the app in order to resolve the issue. Let’s go for the solution.

How to Fix Google Authenticator not working issue on Android/IPhone?

Method 1: Make sure Google Authenticator app’s time is synced correctly

You can check and sync Google Authenticator app’s time correctly in order to fix the issue.

Step 1: Open ‘Google Authenticator’ app in your device and click on ‘Three-Dots’ menu button

Step 2: Go to ‘Settings > Time Correction for Codes’ and tap on ‘Sync Now’ option. You should find that your authenticator codes work properly after this.

Method 2: Update Authenticator App on Android/IPhone

This issue can also be occurred due to outdated or corrupted Authenticator app installed in your mobile phone. You can install the latest patch for the Authenticator app or update Authenticator app in order to fix any bugs or issue in it

Step 1: On Android phone, open ‘Google Play Store’ app and click on your User Profile icon at top-right corner and select ‘Manage apps & devices’

Step 2: Find and select your authenticator app in the list of apps and tap on ‘Update’ option to update the app if the update is available. Once done, restart Authenticator app and check if the error is resolved.

Method 3: Install Google Authenticator on multiple devices

If you are unable to access or enter Google Authenticator codes in your Android/IPhone, then you can try Google Authenticator on multiple devices. It might possible this issue is occurred on some devices like your just one device. In such case, you can try another Android/IPhone device and install Google Authenticator app on it. Once installed, navigate to the page for setting up-two factor authentication. You will see QR code. Use this QR code first on primary device and then on your secondary device and enter the numeric code from either device to confirm. By sung this numeric codes for logging if your primary device is unavailable, you can use your secondary device instead.

Method 4: Log-in to Google Authenticator using Backup Codes

During Google Authenticator app setup, you have an option to create backup codes. These codes are basically strings of numbers and you can use each code just one to login. These backup codes might be helpful if you lose your device with Google Authenticator installed on it or in order to resolve Google Authenticator not working issue. You can just copy your backup codes and check if it works for you.

Generate backup codes on desktop:

Step 1: Open your browser and go to ‘Google Account  2-step verification page’ and sign-in into your account

Step 2: Scroll down to ‘Add More’ second steps to verify its you section. Find the Backup Codes

Step 3: If you have already setup codes, you will see option for ‘Show Codes’. If not, click ‘Set up’

Step 4: The page will generate 10 codes and each is 8-digit long. If you want to generate new codes, click on ‘GET New Codes’ and click ‘Print’ to print the codes on paper. Once done, close the window and check if it works for you.

Use Backup codes to fix Google Authenticator not working issue:

Step 1: From above method, you have successfully copied the backup codes. Now, login into Google Services like Gmail by entering your username & password

Step 2: If asked for verification code, select ‘More Options’, select ‘Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes’ option

Step 3: Type in your backup code in required field and now you will be logged into as normal

Method 5: Uninstall and reinstall Google Authenticator app [IPhone]

If the issue is still persist, then you can try to fix the issue by uninstalling Google Authenticator app and check then reinstall it.

Step 1: On IPhone, long-press on Google Authenticator app’s icon on your home screen and select ‘Delete App’ option. Select ‘Delete’ option if asked for confirmation

Step 2: Once done, open ‘App Store’ and download and reinstall Google Authenticator app in your device and check if the error is resolved.

Method 6: Update Android OS or iOS

Updating your device’s OS can resolve the issue and improve performances.

Update iPhone:

Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ App and go to ‘General > Software Update’ and tap on ‘Download and Install’ update to update your OS if the update is available. Once done, restart your device and check if the issue is resolved.

Update Android Phone:

Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ App and go to ‘About Phone > System update’ and update your Android Phone OS if the update is available.

Step 2: Once done, restart your phone and check if it works for you.

Conclusion

I am sure this post helped you on How to fix Google Authenticator not working issue in Android/IPhone with several easy steps/methods. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.