• Posted by: Eng. Donya Bino
• October 13, 2025

Google Authenticator and Why You Should Start Using It

We’ve all heard it before, use strong passwords. But in today’s world, even the strongest password can be stolen or leaked. That’s why relying on a password alone isn’t enough anymore. You need something extra, and that’s where Google Authenticator makes a real difference.

It’s one of those tools that doesn’t look fancy but does a lot behind the scenes. Once you set it up, it generates a short code on your phone every few seconds. When you log in somewhere, you enter that code after your password. Simple, fast, and it stops most attacks cold.

I’ve seen people lose access to important accounts just because their passwords were reused or leaked online. But with Google Authenticator, even if someone has your password, they can’t log in without that changing code on your phone. It’s like having a lock and a key, both are needed.

Getting Started Is Easy
Download the app from the Play Store or App Store, open it, and scan the QR code the website gives you when you enable two-factor authentication. That’s it. From then on, the app shows a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds.

A Few Personal Tips

1. Always keep your recovery codes saved somewhere safe.
2. If you change phones, transfer your accounts before resetting the old one.
3. Never take screenshots of your setup codes, it’s safer to write them down.
4. Avoid using SMS codes if you can; the app is more secure.

Once you start using it, it becomes second nature. After a while, typing that extra code feels as normal as entering your password, but it adds a massive security benefit.

At the end of the day, Google Authenticator isn’t about making your life harder; it’s about keeping what’s yours, yours.