How to Setup Google MFA (2-Step Verification) - Microsoft Authenticator App Option

Overview

This document walks you through getting Google MFA configured to receive notifications using the Microsoft Authenticator app.  Google calls this 2-step verification.

Instructions

These instructions assume you have:

• ​​​​​​already turned on Google MFA (2-step verification) 
• Microsoft Authenticator App Setup for Multifactor Authentication on your phone
   

1. From a laptop or desktop computer, log into a Google application, like Gmail. This step must be done from a computer as you will need to scan a QR code displayed on the computer with your smartphone

2. Select your profile icon from the upper right corner of the Google application you are using (such as Gmail).  Then click on "Manage your Google Account."

3. From the list of setting categories on the left side of the page, click "Security."  

4. In the "How you sign in to Google" section, you should see that 2-step verification is already turned on.  If not, visit the "How to set up Google MFA - phone option" instructions.

5. Select "Authenticator" from the list of additional options available.

6. You may be asked to verify your identity.  Enter your password.

7. In the next window, ignore the information related to downloading the Google Authenticator app.  Since the campus has already been using the Microsoft Authenticator app with other campus services like Brightspace, myOswego, etc. we will use that.  Click on "+ Set up authenticator."

8. You will now be presented with a window that has the QR code listed on it. 

You want to scan this from the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone. 

1. On your smartphone, open the Authenticator app.
2. In the upper right corner, click the "+" icon.  
3. Click on "Other (Google, Facebook, etc.)"
4. Hold your smartphone up to your computer screen to scan the QR code.
5. Once scanned, you will be returned to the listing of apps using your Authenticator app.  You should now see a listing for Google with your email address and code.  

9. Now that you have scanned the QR code, go back to your computer and click "Next" on the page that is still showing the QR code (image shown in step 9 above).

10. It will ask you to enter the 6-digit code that is showing up in your Google entry in the Microsoft Authenticator app.  Enter the code and click "Verify."  Note if your code changes in the middle of typing it in, you will need to use the new code.

11. You will now be returned to the initial Google Authenticator app configuration page.  You should see "Authenticator" listed. 

12. You can now use the Microsoft Authenticator app with your Google MFA (2-step verification).

Need Help?

Need additional information or assistance? Contact CTS.