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How Do You Set Up a Login.gov Authenticator App?

Learn how to set up an authentication app for Login.gov and why keeping a backup sign-in method matters.

Direct answer

To set up a Login.gov authenticator app, install a supported authentication app, sign in to Login.gov, choose to add or change an authentication method, select authentication app, scan the QR code or enter the setup key, and enter the one-time code the app generates. Keep another authentication method on the account as backup.

authenticator app + Login.gov setup code + one-time code = app authentication method

Authenticator setup choices

Phone app ready

Supported authenticator app

Install before setup

QR code available

Scan setup code

Fastest path

No QR scan

Manual setup key

Enter carefully

Confirm setup

One-time code

Code changes frequently

Backup access

Second MFA method

Prevents lockout

Need	Use	Watch for
Phone app ready	Supported authenticator app	Install before setup
QR code available	Scan setup code	Fastest path
No QR scan	Manual setup key	Enter carefully
Confirm setup	One-time code	Code changes frequently
Backup access	Second MFA method	Prevents lockout

Save account access before switching methods

Do not remove your old authentication method until the authenticator app is working and at least one backup sign-in method is still available.

Set up the app

1Install a supported authenticator app.
2Sign in to Login.gov.
3Open authentication methods in account settings.
4Choose authentication app and scan the QR code or enter the setup key.
5Enter the generated code and keep another authentication method active.

FAQ

What is a Login.gov authentication app?

It is an app that generates one-time security codes for signing in, such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator.

Is an authentication app more secure than text messages?

Login.gov presents authentication apps as a secure option and notes they can avoid some risks tied to phone calls or text messages.

Should I keep another authentication method too?

Yes. Login.gov recommends keeping more than one authentication method so you do not lose account access if one method fails.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.