# Google Authenticator User Guide

HTML version: [Google Authenticator User Guide](https://support.gladstonesoftware.cloud/golearn/google-authenticator-user-guide)

## Problem
You need to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) with the Google Authenticator app to change specific settings in the Merchant Management System (MMS), or move your codes to a new phone or recover access after losing one.

## Resolution

### Set up Google Authenticator

1. **Download the Google Authenticator app**
   - Have the mobile device you want to use at hand.
   - Install the Google Authenticator app on your device from your device's app store.
   - Make sure the time on your device is set correctly.

2. **Log into the MMS**
   - Open the MMS and log in with your user credentials (**Username** and **Password**), then click **Login**.

3. **Link your device with your MMS account**
   - Open the Google Authenticator app on your device and select **+** in the top right.
   - Select **Scan barcode** and point your mobile device at the PC screen to scan the QR code shown on the MMS **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Authenticator App Setup** screen.

4. **Finish the set-up**
   - Your smartphone will now generate a six-digit number. Enter it into the **Authentication Code** field on the MMS, along with your current MMS password.
   - Download and safely store your **backup codes**.

### Transfer your codes to a new device (if applicable)

5. **Prepare both phones**
   - You need your old phone with the Google Authenticator codes, the latest version of the Google Authenticator app installed on your old phone, and your new phone.
   - On your new phone, install the Google Authenticator app, tap **Get Started**, then at the bottom tap **Import existing accounts?**

6. **Export from the old phone**
   - In the Authenticator app on your old phone, tap `More > Transfer accounts > Export accounts`.
   - Select which accounts you want to transfer to your new phone, then tap **Next**. If you transfer multiple accounts, your old phone may create more than one QR code.

7. **Scan on the new phone**
   - On your new phone, tap **Scan QR code**.
   - After you scan your QR codes, you get a confirmation that your Google Authenticator accounts have been transferred.
   - If your camera cannot scan the QR code, there may be too much information in it. Try exporting again with fewer accounts.

### If your phone is lost or stolen

8. **Use backup options**
   - If you have lost access to your primary phone, you can verify it is you with:
     - another phone signed into your Google Account;
     - another phone number you have added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account;
     - a backup code you previously saved;
     - a security key you have added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.

9. **Sign in from a trusted device**
   - If you previously signed in from a device and ticked **Don't ask again on this computer**, you might be able to sign in from that device without a second verification step. After you sign into your Google Account, you can manage your verification methods.

10. **Get a new phone from your carrier**
    - If you lose your phone, you can ask your carrier to transfer your phone number to a new phone or SIM card.

11. **Recover your account**
    - If you cannot sign in, follow the account recovery steps. If you are having trouble, try the tips for completing account recovery.

## Notes

- Logging in using 2FA is required to change specific settings within the MMS.
- Google Authenticator (or another app that creates one-time verification codes) works even when you do not have an internet connection or mobile service. Once you have received the code, enter it on the sign-in screen to confirm it is you.
- You can use other authenticator applications instead, such as Authy or LastPass Authenticator.
- This is a one-time registration process, and only one 2FA authenticator can be used per user account.