How to Fix Google Authenticator Not Working on iPhone

By Olanrewaju Sodiq Updated July 26, 2024 Reviewed & Updated by Arshmeet Hora

Quick Tips

Update Google Authenticator and iOS to ensure the app and your device are bug-free.
Set the Date & Time setting to automatically, as incorrect timing can interfere with the app’s working.
Uninstall and reinstall Authenticator for fresh, issue-free usage.

Basic Fixes

Restart iPhone – It could eliminate some software- or settings-related glitches causing Google Authenticator to not work. Restart and try again.
Update Google Authenticator -Check whether there are any pending updates for the app. Head over to the App Store and tap the Update button if there’s a new update for the Authenticator available.
Update iOS – Running the latest version of iOS updates is one of the recommended requirements for using Authenticator. If the app doesn’t work or perhaps you encounter some issues during usage, ensure it’s the latest iOS version.

Fix 1. Check The Time and Date

If your device’s time and date are incorrect or not properly synced, you might encounter issues using the Google Authenticator app. It could usually happen if you travel to a different time zone.

This could lead to ‘Invalid code’ error messages whenever you use the codes generated by the app. Sadly, you cannot fix time & date sync errors directly in your iPhone’s Google Authenticator app(unlike Android).

However, you can ensure that your iPhone’s Date & Time settings are configured to update automatically. That way, the Authenticator app’s time will also be synced.

Step 1: Launch the iPhone Settings menu. Select General.

Step 2: Select Date & Time.

Step 3: Toggle on Set Automatically.

If the option was enabled already, you can toggle it off and back on. Now check if the Google Authenticator works on your iPhone.

4. Uninstall and Reinstall Authenticator

Uninstalling and reinstalling Google Authenticator is another effective solution to get the app working on your iPhone again. That was the only way some Google Authenticator users got the app to work on their iPhones.

Note: Deleting Authenticator from your device will also delete the app’s data. That means you’ll have to reconfigure the Authenticator app (in your Google Account Security settings) when you reinstall it on your device.

To delete Google Authenticator from your device, long-press the app’s icon from the Home Screen or App Library and select Delete App. On the confirmation window that pops up afterward, tap Delete.

Once done, restart your device (precautionary measure) and install Google Authenticator from the App Store. Hopefully, the app will work as smoothly as butter from now onwards.