How to solve Google Authenticator codes not working

Now that many cyber criminals are roaming the web and trying to steal our accounts in various and creative ways, all companies recommend using the extra layer of protection known as two-step verification. This protection consists of not only requesting a username (or email) and password to enter your accounts, but also a unique code that is generated when you want to log in and that arrives exclusively on your mobile.

The problem is that not all services and applications offer two-step verification. That is why there are apps like Google Authenticator that add this protection to almost any app. Now, this Google application (which is one of our writers’ favorite apps ) also has the drawbacks that make it a headache instead of being a solution.

One of the most common problems with the Google Authenticator is when the codes required to perform the second verification and login do not work. Are you experiencing this same problem? Don’t worry, because we will show you all the possible solutions to fix the app when this happens right away.

Synchronize the time of the app with that of Google’s servers

If the Google Authenticator codes do not work for you, there is likely a synchronization problem between the app and the Google servers. Keep in mind that the Google Authenticator has its internal clock (it is really the mobile clock) that may not be synchronized with the time of Google’s servers (the ones that send you the codes).

Luckily, Google has added an option to the app to solve this problem as follows:

• Open the Google Authenticator app.
• Touch the three dots in the upper right corner.
• Select Settings.
• Click on Time correction for codes.
• Tap on Sync Now.

Thus, if the time on your mobile was not correct, it will be corrected (the internal clock of the app, not you’re mobile) and thus the problem will be solved.

Restart your mobile and the application

Another way to solve this problem is with the classic restart. First, we advise you to completely close Google Authenticator (from the multitasking button) and reopen it. If this is not solved, then turn off your mobile and turn it on again. These types of solutions are usually useful when the mobile is stuck somewhere or has a simple bug.

As a result, there is a good chance that the Google Authenticator codes will return to normal after a restart.

Clear the cache and update Google Authenticator

It is very normal in Android for the function of an app to stop working due to a storage problem. Therefore, we recommend clearing the Google Authenticator cache by following these steps:

• Open the Settings app on your mobile.
• Go to Applications.
• Select the Google Authenticator.
• Tap Storage and then Clear cache.
• See if the codes already work.

Didn’t this help you? Then the problem may be from the source (of the app code) and only Google can solve it. In this case, the only thing you can do is update the application in the hope that in its most recent version the codes already work. How is the app updated? Thus:

• Go to the Google Play Store.
• Search for Google Authenticator and open its file in the store.
• If an update is available, click Update.

If there is no more recent version, you will have to wait for Google to release it.

Install Google Authenticator on another device

Now, if the above did not work for you, then the best thing you can do is install the app on another device where you can use it without problems, such as on an old tablet or mobile that you no longer use. Doing this is very simple since you only have to do the following:

• Open Google Authenticator on the other device, which should have your Google account already added.
• From a PC, go to the Google website for two-step verification with your account details.
• Go to the App section of the Authenticator and click on Settings.
• Select the type of device you want to use (Android or iPhone).
• Immediately afterward, you will see a QR code that you must scan from the Google Authenticator app on both your secondary device and your primary device.
• Click Next on the PC and enter the code you see on the devices to verify them.

Ready! Now you can use the codes from your secondary device in case the main ones are not working. Anyway, we hope these solutions are useful to you.