Using Google Authenticator with 2FA

Google Authenticator app icon

Using Google Authenticator on a smartphone or other mobile device is one of three methods you can use with UD's two-factor authentication (2FA) service. Authentication apps are the recommended choice to authenticate with UD's VPN service

Use these directions to set up and use Google Authenticator with UD's 2FA service. Google Authenticator does not support approval notification, in which a client receives a notification to approve or deny an authentication request.

You can also use Microsoft Authenticator, UD's preferred method of 2FA authentication with these directions

Setting up Google Authenticator

The easiest method of setting up Google Authenticator on your smartphone or mobile device requires that your device have a QR Code scanner (e.g., QR reader included in iOS or QR Reader for iPhone, Barcode Scanner for Android, etc. [More information]).

  1. Download and install the Google Authenticator app from either the Google Play (Android) or App Store (Apple iOS devices) on your mobile device. Google Authenticator is available for Android and iOS smartphones, devices, and tablets - even iPod Touch devices.

  2. Using a Web browser on a computer, log in to My UD Settings.

    NOTE: If you have not yet enrolled in 2FA, you must do so at the My UD Settings page before you can set up Google Authenticator.
  3. On the two-factor authentication page, click the Add Google Authenticator button.
    If you have previously set up authenticator with your UD account, you may need to choose Edit Authenticator app.

  4. Leave the Web page open on your computer, and pick up your mobile phone or device.

  5. Open Google Authenticator on your mobile phone or device. Tap Get started at the bottom of the screen. Choose to Use Authenticator without an account
    If you've previously used UD 2FA and backed up the app by signing into a Google account, you can instead sign in to that account to transfer the codes to this device, and bypass the rest of these directions.

Google Authenticator app window with Begin setup button

  1. On the next screen, choose Add a code. Then choose Scan a QR code.
    If you've previously used UD 2FA with a Google account, you can opt to Sign in to that account to transfer the codes 2FA to this device and skip the rest of the setup.

Google Authenticator app window with "Add Code" and "Sign in" to Google account options

  1. If you are prompted to allow Authenticator to access the Camera, choose OK.

  2. Point your mobile phone or device's main camera (back of the case) at the QR code displayed on your computer (from step 3 above).

  3. When you see a screen on your phone or device like the one below, Google Authenticator is ready for you to use.
    Google Authenticator app window showing authentication code

  4. On the My UD Settings QR code page on your computer, click I'm done.

Google Authenticator requires a network only while you are configuring it for use. Once it is installed and configured on your device, it does not require Wi-Fi or cell service to generate a 2FA code.
When you change your UD 2FA settings, you will receive an email notification to alert you to the change.

Using Google Authenticator

In order to log in to UD secure services using 2FA, you will need to open the app to get the automatically generated authentication code. Note that Google Authenticator does not require Wi-Fi or cellular service to generate a 2FA code.

  1. Start logging in to the UD service you plan to use, or to the AnyConnect VPN client.
  2. When prompted for your Second Password or Two-factor (2FA) code field, open Google Authenticator on your mobile phone or device.
    Google Authenticator app window showing verification code
  3. Type the six-digit number you see on Google Authenticator in the Second Password or Two-factor (2FA) code field. Click Connect (AnyConnect) or Log in (CAS). Do not press the SPACEBAR or type any other characters. Just type the six-digit number.
    Each code is available for a limited time. Google Authenticator will generate a new code for you every 30 seconds. 
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2FA uses two factors to verify you are who you say you are. 2FA makes your personal information less vulnerable and helps prevent anyone but you from accessing your accounts, even if they know your UDel ID Password.

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