How to Set Google Authenticator as Your Default Authenticator App

What setting Google Authenticator as default actually does

Setting Google Authenticator (often called Gauth) as your default authenticator app means your phone will open it automatically when you tap a two-factor authentication link or scan a QR code that requires an authenticator. Without a default set, your phone asks you which app to use each time — which slows you down if you have multiple authenticator apps installed.

This is different from making it your default for everything. You are only changing what happens when your phone encounters an authenticator-specific action. Your email app, browser, and other defaults stay exactly as they are.

Key Takeaways

Google Authenticator becomes your default the first time you open an authenticator link and choose it — no separate settings menu required on most phones.
If you have multiple authenticator apps, you can change which one is default by clearing the default choice in your phone's app settings, then opening an authenticator link again.
On Android, the setting lives in Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Authenticator App (exact names vary by phone maker).
On iPhone, there is no separate authenticator default — iOS uses whichever authenticator app you tap first, and you can always choose a different one each time.

Setting the default on Android phones

The steps depend slightly on your phone maker, but the path is similar across Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and most others. Open your phone's Settings app, then look for Apps or Application Manager. From there, find Default Apps or Default Applications.

Look for an option called Authenticator App or Two-Factor Authentication. Tap it, then select Google Authenticator from the list. If you do not see an authenticator option in the defaults menu, your phone does not have a dedicated authenticator default — in that case, the method below (opening an authenticator link) will work instead.

If you already have a different authenticator set as default and want to switch to Google Authenticator, go back to that same menu, tap the current default, and choose Google Authenticator. You may see a button that says Clear Default first — tap that, then select Google Authenticator as the new choice.

Setting the default by opening an authenticator link

The fastest way on any phone is to let the system ask you which app to use. When you encounter a two-factor authentication prompt that says "Open in authenticator" or shows a QR code, tap the link or scan the code. Your phone will show a list of authenticator apps you have installed.

Select Google Authenticator, then look for a checkbox or toggle that says Always use this app, Set as default, or Use by default. Check that box before tapping Open or Confirm. From that point forward, authenticator links will open Google Authenticator without asking.

This method works on both Android and iPhone. If you do not see the "always use" option, your phone may not support setting a default for this action — you will simply choose Google Authenticator each time, which takes only a tap or two.

Changing your default if you installed a new authenticator app

If you add a second authenticator app later and want to switch back to Google Authenticator, you need to clear the current default first. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Authenticator App, then tap Clear Default or the current app name and select None.

Once the default is cleared, the next time you open an authenticator link, your phone will ask which app to use. Choose Google Authenticator and check the "always use" box again. On iPhone, you can skip this step — just tap Google Authenticator when the choice appears, and it will open without setting a permanent default.

What to do if Google Authenticator does not appear in the list

If you go to set a default and Google Authenticator is not in the list, the app either is not installed or your phone does not recognize it as an authenticator app. First, check that Google Authenticator is actually installed by opening your app drawer or home screen and looking for it. The icon is a blue square with white numbers.

If it is installed but not showing up in the authenticator default menu, restart your phone. Sometimes the system does not immediately recognize a newly installed app. After restarting, go back to the default apps menu and look again. If it still does not appear, your phone may not support a dedicated authenticator default — in that case, you can still use Google Authenticator; you will just choose it manually each time an authenticator link opens.

Removing Google Authenticator as default without uninstalling it

If you want to keep Google Authenticator installed but stop it from opening automatically, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Authenticator App and tap Clear Default. The app stays on your phone, but your phone will ask you which authenticator to use the next time you encounter an authenticator link.

This is useful if you are testing a new authenticator app or if you want to choose manually based on which account you are signing into. You can always set Google Authenticator as default again later by following the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does setting a default authenticator app affect my other defaults like email or browser?

No. Each default is separate. Changing your authenticator default does not touch your email app, web browser, messaging app, or any other default. You are only changing what happens when you open an authenticator-specific link or QR code.

Can I use Google Authenticator if I do not set it as default?

Yes. If you do not set a default, your phone will ask you which authenticator app to use each time. You can tap Google Authenticator every time, or set it as default to skip the question. Either way, the app works the same.

What if I have Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator both installed?

You can set one as your default, and your phone will open it automatically. If you want to use the other one for a specific account, you can clear the default and choose manually each time, or you can add codes to both apps and use whichever one you prefer for each login.

Will changing the default authenticator app affect codes I already added?

No. The codes you added to Google Authenticator stay in Google Authenticator no matter what you set as default. Changing the default only affects which app opens when you tap an authenticator link — it does not move or delete any codes.

Can I set a default authenticator app on iPhone?

iPhone does not have a separate authenticator default setting. When you tap an authenticator link or scan a QR code, iOS shows you the authenticator apps you have installed, and you choose one. You can tap Google Authenticator every time, or you can set it as your default password manager in Settings > Passwords if you use that feature, but there is no dedicated authenticator default like Android has.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.