Disable Two-Step Authentication to Setup Android?

[Father Tech]

I recently factory reset my Android phone and immediately ran into a curious dilemma: In order to sign in to my Google account, I needed the 6-digit code from the Authenticator app, but in order to download the Authenticator app, I needed my Google account. The only solution I could find was to sign in to my Google account on my computer and disable Two-Step Authentication.

Was there something else I could have done?

 

[r_albu]

Yes, sure. That's the way it works but you can do other things instead.
You can print (or save), somewhere safe, the list of 6-digit codes for when it's needed. But you can also click on something like (can't remember exactly) "having trouble with the codes?" and you'll get another options (from memory): they can Voice call you to a phone (previously indicated by you), or send you an SMS (or to the phone number you previously indicated them) and one other option I don't remember now (I think some backup codes as an alternative).
Hope it helps. All the best

 

[Father Tech]

Thanks for responding.

I was actually aware of those alternatives - they're on Google's website - but they weren't of any help to me.

The list of recovery codes I have consists of 8-digit numbers (4 digits, space, four digits) and the sign in dialog wants 6-digit numbers. The voice call option didn't work because I hadn't previously validated my voice phone number. Sending an SMS clearly wasn't going work because the SMS goes to my Android phone.

In the end, the fastest solution was to simply disable 2FA and then re-enable it once I had the Authenticator app installed.

 

[r_albu]

Maybe you're wright but I never had the need to disable 2SA. I used one of the other options (except SMS because I gave a family's phone). Actually right now I don't have G. Authenticator set up. I've being trying some ROMs lately and didn't care to set it up.
Cheers

 

[hallux]

You could also have set up an app-specific password for the device registration. I believe that bypasses the 2FA requirement.

 

[pbike908]

I think Google and Microsoft have made 2 step authentication borderline more trouble than it's worth anymore. I like the idea, but I want my 2 factor code EMAILED to me at a non Google or non Microsoft email address but I don't think that option exists anymore. I find the authentication apps to be a big hassle!