How to Use Duo Mobile to Authenticate for Google 2-Step Verification

Did you know that you can use Duo Mobile as an authentication method for Google 2-Step Verification?

Whenever you need to log into your Google account, you can simply enter a code from your Duo Mobile app.

Add Duo Mobile as an Authentication Method for Google 2FV

To add this authentication method, follow the steps below. 

  1. On a computer, navigate to https://myaccount.google.com/security and log in to your UAH Email account
  2. Scroll down to the section titled How you sign in to Google. Near the bottom of this section, you will see a list of additional sign-in options you can add. Click Authenticator
    screenshot of Google settings page
  3. Click + Set up authenticator
    screenshot of Google Authenticator app page
  4. On your mobile device, download Duo Mobile if it is not already installed
  5. If you're already using Duo Mobile to sign in with Duo, tap Add + in the top right of the screen
    screenshot of duo mobile
  6. Tap Use QR Code 
    screenshot of Duo Mobile Add account page
  7. Scan the QR code shown on your computer screen and then name the account something recognizable so that you can distinguish between your Duo and Google accounts.
  8. On your computer, click Next
    screenshot of the Google Set up authenticator app screen
  9. Enter the 6-digit code shown under your Google account in your Duo Mobile app and click Verify
    screenshot of Google Set up authenticator app page to enter your code

Now you're ready to use Duo Mobile to log in to your UAH Google account!

Log in to Google Using Duo Mobile

Whenever you log in, you'll enter your username and password as normal. Depending on your account settings, Google may automatically choose to use this method for your second factor of verification. You'll be prompted to enter "a verification code from the Google Authenticator app."

screenshot of the Google 2-Step Verification screen asking for a code from the Google Authenticator app

On your mobile device, open Duo Mobile and tap Show next to your Google account. Enter the 6-digit code shown here and you're in!

screenshot of Duo mobile homepage

If Google doesn't automatically select this authentication method for you, you can simply click Try another way and then "Get a verification code from the Google Authenticator app."

screenshot of Google's Choose how you want to sign in screen

Please note: Google automatically assumes you are using their official Google Authenticator app, which is why you may see phrasing specific to their application. However, this method works just the same for Duo Mobile. 

Still Have Questions?

Need help with Duo Mobile or Google 2-Step Verification? Contact the OIT Help Desk.

Details

Article ID: 157373
Created
Wed 8/9/23 10:04 AM
Modified
Tue 9/19/23 3:35 PM