Use an authenticator app for 2-Step Verification (2FA) — no SMS needed
Accounts & Email · 6 views · 🧭 Guided walkthrough
An authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) generates your 2-Step Verification codes right on your phone — no SMS needed, and it works even without signal. It’s the most reliable second factor. This takes ~5 minutes; you’ll set it up once and use it at every new sign-in.
Prefer the full text? See all steps at once
**What this is:** How to use an **authenticator app** (Google or Microsoft Authenticator) as your 2-Step Verification method, instead of (or alongside) SMS codes. Use the walkthrough above for a guided version.
**Why an app beats SMS:** the app generates codes on your phone, so it works with **no signal / no SIM**, can’t be intercepted like a text, and is faster. It’s the recommended second factor.
**Note:** 2-Step Verification must be turned on first — see *“Turn on 2-Step Verification (2FA)”*. You can add the authenticator immediately after.
### 1. Install the app
Install **Google Authenticator** or **Microsoft Authenticator** from your phone’s app store.
### 2. Open 2-Step settings
Go to **myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification** (sign in with your @iksula.com email).
### 3. Set up authenticator
Find **Authenticator** → **Set up authenticator**. Google shows a **QR code**.
### 4. Scan it
In the app: **+ → Scan a QR code** and point your phone at the screen. *(Can’t scan? Use “Can’t scan it?” for a text key.)*
### 5. Confirm
Type the app’s current **6-digit code** into Google → **Verify**. The app is now linked.
### 6. Save backup codes
On the same page → **Backup codes** → **Get codes**. Save the 10 codes somewhere safe (not with your password).
From now on, open the app for your code at each new sign-in — it works offline. Lost the phone and out of backup codes? Ask the IT chatbot or raise a ticket.
**Why an app beats SMS:** the app generates codes on your phone, so it works with **no signal / no SIM**, can’t be intercepted like a text, and is faster. It’s the recommended second factor.
**Note:** 2-Step Verification must be turned on first — see *“Turn on 2-Step Verification (2FA)”*. You can add the authenticator immediately after.
### 1. Install the app
Install **Google Authenticator** or **Microsoft Authenticator** from your phone’s app store.
### 2. Open 2-Step settings
Go to **myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification** (sign in with your @iksula.com email).
### 3. Set up authenticator
Find **Authenticator** → **Set up authenticator**. Google shows a **QR code**.
### 4. Scan it
In the app: **+ → Scan a QR code** and point your phone at the screen. *(Can’t scan? Use “Can’t scan it?” for a text key.)*
### 5. Confirm
Type the app’s current **6-digit code** into Google → **Verify**. The app is now linked.
### 6. Save backup codes
On the same page → **Backup codes** → **Get codes**. Save the 10 codes somewhere safe (not with your password).
From now on, open the app for your code at each new sign-in — it works offline. Lost the phone and out of backup codes? Ask the IT chatbot or raise a ticket.
2faauthenticatorgoogle authenticatormicrosoft authenticatortwo-factortotpsecurityqr code