Google Authenticator Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

If your Google Authenticator codes are not working, you are not alone. Invalid or expired 2FA codes are one of the most common authentication problems. This guide explains the most common causes and how to fix them step-by-step.

Common Reasons Google Authenticator Fails

1. Time Sync Is Incorrect

Authenticator apps rely on your device’s time being perfectly synced. If your phone clock is even a few seconds off, the generated code may be rejected.

2. Code Has Expired

Each code is valid for only 30 seconds. If you wait too long before entering it, the login attempt will fail.

3. Wrong Account Selected

If you have multiple accounts saved, make sure you are using the correct one.

4. Secret Key Was Entered Incorrectly

If the account was manually added and the secret key was mistyped, codes will never match.

Tip: You can use our browser-based 2FA generator to verify whether a secret key produces valid codes.

How to Fix Time Sync Errors

On Android:

On iPhone:

What If You Lost Your Phone?

If you lost your device and cannot access your authenticator app:

For detailed recovery steps, see our guide: Lost Phone With 2FA Enabled.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above fixes resolve the issue:

Security Reminder

Never share your secret key or backup codes with anyone. Legitimate services will never ask for your 2FA code outside the login process.