How to Setup and Use Google Authenticator

Everyone on campus is required to use a multifactor authentication method when logging into their account. Google Authenticator is a secure app option that you can use to authenticate your CSUMB account login. This article will go over:

What is Google Authenticator?

Google Authenticator is another secure app option available for satisfying your multifactor authentication method on campus. It's another great option for our students, staff and faculty who may either already use this app for MFA on other accounts. Much like Okta Verify, Google Authenticator is great for our campus members who travel abroad because you can use it on both Wi-Fi and data plans and doesn't require a phone number associated with it. Instead, Google Authenticator utilizes an app on your mobile device to provide a code for the account you are logging into. It's your "proof" that it is really you trying to log on to your account. 

You will need: 

  • A mobile device (iPhone, Android, iPad, tablet)
  • A desktop or laptop computer to set up the security factor
  • Your AppleID and password (or Google Play store log in information) to download the app.
  • Your OtterID and password.

How to set up Google Authenticator

From your mobile device

Step 1: Download the Google Authenticator app from either the iPhone App Store or the Android Google Play Store:

Screenshot of Google Authenticator in the Apple App store.

From your computer

Step 2: Login into https://csumb.okta.com on a computer using your web browser of choice.

Screenshot of csumb.okta.com login screen

Step 3: Click on your name in the upper right hand corner of your Okta Dashboard and select Settings:

Screenshot of pull down menu from Okta with Settings selected.

Step 4: On the Settings page, click on the Edit Profile button (please note that if you are freshly logged into Okta, you may not see the edit profile button. If you don't see edit profile skip ahead to step 6):

Screenshot from csumb.okta.com with Edit Profile button selected.

Step 5: Provide your password again for your csumb.edu account:

Screenshot of csumb.okta.com Please verify your password box.

Step 6: Scroll down to the Extra Verification box within settings. Next to Google Authenticator click the Set up button:

Screenshot of csumb.okta.com Extra Verification section with setup next to Google Authenticator selected.

Step 7: Click Setup button at the bottom of the "Set up multifactor authentication" box:

Screenshot of csumb.okta.com Set up multifactor authentication box.

Step 8: Select type of device you are using with Google Authenticator:

Screenshot of Setup Google Authenticator box with Iphone and Android options

A QR code will then display on the desktop computer screen:

Screenshot of Setup Google Authenticator with QR CODE (Do not use this QR Code it is an example only)

Leave up the QR Code on the screen of the computer.

From your mobile phone

Step 9: Return to your mobile device. Locate the Google Authenticator app from Step One. Tap the app.

Screenshot of iphone home screen with Google Authenticator app highlighted.

Step 10: Tap the Plus Sign at the bottom of the Google Authenticator screen.

Please note: If you already use Google Authenticator with another account, that account will be listed with numbers. In the case below this person uses it with their Cal Employee Connect account. If you do not already use Google Authenticator your screen will be blank- this is normal.

Screenshot of Google Authenticator app with Cal Employee Connect app already listed and the plus sign highlighted

Step 11: Select Scan a QR code from the pop up menu. 

Screenshot from Google Authenticator with the pop-up choices of Enter a set up key or Scan a QR code

Go back to the QR code displayed on the computer and scan it with the phone.

Pro Tip: You may need to move in and out to get it focused.

Step 11: You will know the QR code scan was successful when you see csumb.okta.com listed in Google Authenticator.

Google Authenticator Screenshot with csumb.okta.com listed

From a computer

Step 12: Go back to the QR code from Step 8 and click the Next button and you will be asked to put the six digit code you see in Step 11 in the Google Authenticator App. You must do this before the pie shape disappears or wait for the code in the Google Authenticator App to automatically refresh.

Pro Tip: Run the six digits of the code from Google Authenticator together. There should be no space, even though Google Authenticator shows one.

Screenshot from Google Authenticator set up with the code from the Google Authenticator app typed into the box.

Click the Verify button and your account is now set up.

How to Use Google Authenticator

Step 1: Log into your csumb.edu account as you normally would.

Step 2: If Google Authenticator is the only verification method you have set up, skip to Step 3.

Click on the arrow next to the selected authentication type to get the pull down off all security factors you have configured. 

Screenshot of multifactor window for SMS with arrow highlighted to change the method

Select Google Authenticator from the list.

Please note: The list will only show those authentication methods which you have already set up.

Screenshot of Okta login method list with Google Authenticator highlighted.

Step 3: At the Google Authenticator Screen it will ask you for a code. Open the Google Authenticator App on your mobile device and enter the code listed for csumb.okta.com and click the Verify button. You must do this before the pie shape disappears or wait for the code in the Google Authenticator App to automatically.

Pro Tip: Run the six digits of the code from Google Authenticator together. There should be no space, even though Google Authenticator shows one.

Screenshot of Google Authenticator verification screen with six digit code typed in.

 

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Details

Article ID: 163675
Created
Fri 8/23/24 12:22 PM
Modified
Fri 8/23/24 12:27 PM