Applies to: Tim (and anyone else who uses the app)
What is Google Authenticator
Google Says: “Google Authenticator generates 2-Step Verification codes on your phone.
2-Step Verification provides stronger security for your Google Account by requiring a second step of verification when you sign in. In addition to your password, you’ll also need a code generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone.”
Some other services use 2-Step Verification and can use the Google Authenticator App on your phone too.
What was Tim’s Question?
I had to log in into something which asked for a 2-Step login so I ran through and grabbed my phone, opened the app and scrolled down the list of codes, which looked something like this:
Where it says “[email protected]” it had a long line of text which didn’t really help us identify what website it was for…
Tim said wouldn’t it be nice if there was an edit button. I agreed and didn’t think anything more about it… until today.
You can rename them
Turns out you can rename them, tap and hold the code, then look for the small pencil (edit) icon on the top bar – tap this and you get a rename box.
It looks a bit like this!
Sorry for the lack of content on these images, they are from my own App and I don’t want to give away what I use it for or any of my codes! 🙂
Other options
Options are limited, but if you press and hold one of the codes until a little 3-line symbol appears on the left, then let go, you can re-order it in the list by dragging it up and down the list.
Hope this helps Tim! and anyone else who happens to use this app. Want to know more about 2-Step login? Drop me a message below…
Thanks
Mike 🙂
February 12, 2018 at 8:28 am
Hi, I am John and have just joined the inner circle. My question is how do I opt out of 2-step verification with Google and Microsoft?
I appreciate it is a security issue but I do not envisage any of my devices e.g. smartphone and tablet as well as PC falling into the wrongs hands.
Recent experience has been frustrating seemingly going round in circles entering various passwords that I was sure were correct only to have to set up new passwords.
February 12, 2018 at 4:29 pm
Hi John.
Thanks for the question.
Generally once you are logged into an account like Microsoft or Google which has 2-factor login enabled you shouldn’t be asked for it on that device again (unless you log out and back in repeatedly) so if you leave your accounts logged in you should only be asked for 2-factor extra security when you login from a new device.
It sounds like the Password issues you had was different? Was this asking you to reset your password?
I wonder if some of the problem is Internet Explorer 11. I would encourage you to use Edge, Chrome or Firefox in it’s place, then log into your Google/Microsoft account with 2-factor and see how you get on this way.
Then if you really want 2-factor gone we can go into details for you. Thanks, Sorry, Mike 🙂
May 25, 2017 at 8:47 am
Thanks Mike – I’ve done it now and using the Google Authenticator is now easier for me!
Ta
Tim
May 26, 2017 at 1:23 pm
🙂