Overview
Google Authenticator is an app that generates rotating one-time codes you can enter to verify your login. Technology Services recommends Google Authenticator as an alternative or backup to Okta Verify.
With the Google Authenticator security method, you may set up and use any other authenticator app (e.g. 1Password, Authy, Bitwarden, Microsoft Authenticator). Though the security method will be labeled as Google Authenticator in Okta, the 6-digit code generated by any of these apps can successfully be used to verify your login.
How to get an authenticator app
Below is a non-exhaustive list of software-based TOTP authenticators that can be set up using the Google Authenticator security method.
Mobile Apps
- Authy
- Google Authenticator
Desktop Browser Extension
Please consult the support documentation for the app of your choice. Start by installing the app on your mobile device or adding the extension in your browser, then follow the instructions below to set it up for your Puget Sound account.
How to set up an authenticator app
Set up Google Authenticator on a mobile device (click to expand section)
Set up Google Authenticator
If you are prompted to set up MFA when logging in, skip to step #5.
- Log in to your Puget Sound account at login.pugetsound.edu.
- Click your name in the upper-right corner then click Settings.
- In the Security Methods section, click Set up or Set up another next to the Google Authenticator security method.
- Note: You can set up this security method with any other authenticator app
- If prompted, re-authenticate to proceed.
- Click Set up or Set up another under the Google Authenticator option.
- Additional setup instructions will appear. Be sure you have the Google Authenticator app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before proceeding.
- Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device and tap Get Started or the plus sign (+) then tap Scan a QR Code.
- Point your phone camera at the QR code displayed in your browser window then click Next.
- Note: Allow access to the camera if prompted.
- Enter the code displayed in the Google Authenticator app then click Verify.
- You have finished setting up Google Authenticator!
For more information, see Google's guide on Google Authenticator
How to use an authenticator app to log in
Enter a code from the Google Authenticator app (click to expand section)
Enter a code from Google Authenticator
- In a browser, go to login.pugetsound.edu.
- Type in your Puget Sound username and password then click Sign in.
- Select Google Authenticator.
- Note: If Google Authenticator is not presented as an option, select Verify with something else.
- Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device.
- Enter the 6-digit code displayed in the app then click Verify.
