How to Authenticate Shopify Using Google Authenticator
Q: What is two-step authentication, and why should I enable it for my Shopify store?
A: Two-step authentication (also known as two-factor authentication or 2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Shopify store by requiring both your password and a code from an authentication app, like Google Authenticator, to log in. This helps protect your account from unauthorized access.
Q: How do I set up two-step authentication using Google Authenticator for my Shopify account?
Follow these steps to enable two-step authentication using the Google Authenticator app:
Download Google Authenticator
First, download the Google Authenticator app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) on your mobile device.Log in to Your Shopify Admin
Open your Shopify admin on a computer and log in using your account credentials.Go to Security Settings
In the Shopify admin, click on your username in the top-right corner, and then click Manage account.Enable Two-Step Authentication
Scroll to the Security section and click Two-step authentication. Then, click Enable two-step authentication.Select Authentication Method
Choose Authentication app as your two-step authentication method.Scan the QR Code with Google Authenticator
A QR code will appear on your Shopify screen. Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device, tap the “+” icon to add a new account, and select Scan a QR code. Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code displayed on Shopify.Enter the Verification Code
After scanning the QR code, Google Authenticator will generate a 6-digit code. Enter this code into Shopify where prompted.Backup Codes
Shopify will provide you with backup codes in case you can’t access your Google Authenticator app. Save these codes in a secure location. You can use them to log in if you lose access to your authentication app.Complete Setup
Once you've entered the code and saved your backup codes, click Enable to complete the setup.
Q: What if I lose access to my Google Authenticator app?
A: If you lose access to the Google Authenticator app (e.g., if your phone is lost or broken), you can use one of the backup codes provided during setup to log in. Be sure to keep these codes in a safe place.
If you don’t have your backup codes, you’ll need to contact Shopify support to regain access to your account.
Q: Can I disable two-step authentication later?
A: Yes, you can disable two-step authentication at any time by following these steps:
Go to your Account Settings in the Shopify admin.
Under Security, click Two-step authentication.
Click Disable next to the authentication method you want to turn off.
Q: Can I use two-step authentication on multiple devices?
A: Yes, you can use Google Authenticator on multiple devices. To do this, scan the Shopify QR code with each device that has the Google Authenticator app installed. Keep in mind that you’ll need to re-scan the code for each device.