Authenticator App - Novaz

Gmail 2FA: How to Set Up an Authenticator App

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Gmail lets you secure your account with an authenticator app. With 2FA on, each login needs a fresh 6-digit code, keeping your Gmail account safe even if your password leaks.

Your Gmail inbox is the master key to your other accounts — attackers use it to reset passwords everywhere. Besides an authenticator app, Gmail also offers SMS text codes, phone-call codes, a proprietary app and security keys. An authenticator app (TOTP) is usually the best balance of security and convenience — and it's safer than SMS codes, which can be intercepted through SIM-swap attacks. For the strongest protection, Gmail also supports hardware security keys.

2FA methods Gmail supports

  • SMS text message
  • Phone call
  • Authenticator app (TOTP)
  • Proprietary app
  • Security key (U2F / WebAuthn)
  1. 1

    Download Authenticator App - Novaz

    Install Authenticator App - Novaz from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and open it — you'll use it to scan Gmail's QR code and generate your 6-digit sign-in codes.

    Download on the App Store
  2. 2

    Sign in to Gmail and open your Gmail account security settings.

  3. 3

    Turn on two-factor authentication and choose the authenticator-app option.

    Look for "Authenticator app", "Authentication app", or "TOTP" rather than SMS.

  4. 4

    Scan the QR code with Authenticator App - Novaz.

    Open Authenticator App - Novaz, tap add, and point your camera at the QR code Gmail displays. Can't scan? Enter the setup key manually instead.

  5. 5

    Enter the 6-digit code to confirm.

    Type the code Authenticator App - Novaz generates to verify and link your Gmail account.

  6. 6

    Save a way to recover your account.

    If Gmail shows backup or recovery codes, store them somewhere safe, away from your phone. If it doesn't, check how Gmail recovers accounts (support, an admin, or another sign-in method) before you need it.

Menu names on Gmail can change — the official Gmail 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

How to recover your Gmail account

If you lose access to your authenticator and Gmail gave you backup or recovery codes when you turned on 2FA, sign in with one of them; keep them somewhere safe, away from your phone. Not every service issues codes. If Gmail doesn't, or you didn't save them, use Gmail's account-recovery or support process (or ask your admin, for a work account) to get back in.

Frequently asked questions

Does Gmail work with authenticator apps like Authenticator App - Novaz?
Yes. Gmail supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in Authenticator App - Novaz.
Is Gmail two-factor authentication free?
Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on Gmail is free — you only need the free Authenticator App - Novaz.
What if I lose access to my Gmail 2FA codes?
If Gmail gave you backup or recovery codes during setup, sign in with one of them. If it didn't, or you didn't save them, use Gmail's account recovery or contact its support (or your admin, for a work account), then add the account to Authenticator App - Novaz again.
Should I use an authenticator app or a security key on Gmail?
Gmail supports both. An authenticator app like Authenticator App - Novaz is free and works on any phone; a hardware security key adds phishing resistance. You can enable both.

Generate your Gmail codes in Authenticator App - Novaz

Free, offline, and encrypted. One tap for every 6-digit code.

Get the app

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