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Use an authenticator

Find out about authenticators and how to sign in to myGov using one.

Authenticators generate a code you use to sign in to your myGov account. They are a type of multifactor authentication (MFA). They can be an app or service you can download to your device.

Common ones include Google Authenticator, Apple’s Passwords app and 1Password.

Before you add an authenticator

Use an authenticator you’re familiar with. Check if you already use one such as Google Authenticator or Apple’s Passwords.

Some authenticators can’t be used with your myGov account because they don’t meet the SHA256 security standard. This includes Microsoft Authenticator.

If you want to use a password manager, it will need to support authenticator codes. You can check if your password manager does in your password manager settings.

Authenticators use a time-based code. Sometimes these are called TOTP or OTP. For the code to work, the device your authenticator is on needs to accurately show your local time.

Add an authenticator

If you’re downloading an authenticator, make sure it’s from the Google Play store, Apple App store or a trusted service.

You should only use an authenticator on a trusted device. A trusted device is a device you own and don’t share with anyone else.  

If you already have myGov Code Generator connected to your account, adding a new authenticator will replace it. The myGov Code Generator app is no longer available to download from app stores. If you use it, you'll be prompted through the Security review feature to switch to a more secure sign in method or another authenticator. The myGov Code Generator app will be retired.

You can only add one authenticator to your myGov account.

Add an authenticator by scanning the QR code

To add an authenticator on the myGov website, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to myGov.
  2. From the My account menu, select Account settings.
  3. From Sign in settings go to Authenticator and select Manage.
  4. Go to Authenticator and select Add.
  5. Verify your identity.
  6. Using your authenticator on your device scan the QR code on screen.
  7. Follow the prompts in your authenticator.
  8. Enter the code from your authenticator in myGov to finish set up.

Add an authenticator using the setup key

To add an authenticator using the setup key, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to myGov.
  2. From the My account menu, select Account settings.
  3. From Sign in settings go to Authenticator and select Manage.
  4. Go to Authenticator and select Add.
  5. Verify your identity.
  6. Copy and paste or enter the setup key in your authenticator.
  7. Follow the prompts in your authenticator.
  8. Enter the code from your authenticator in myGov to finish set up.

Some authenticators may not work when you enter the setup key. Try scanning the QR code instead.

To add an authenticator using the myGov app, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to the myGov app.
  2. Select Account settings, then select Sign in settings.
  3. Select Authenticator and select Add authenticator.
  4. Verify your identity.
  5. Select Open authenticator app.
  6. Follow the device prompts.
  7. Enter the code from your authenticator in myGov to finish set up.

Add an authenticator using the setup key in the myGov app

To add an authenticator using the myGov app, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to the myGov app.
  2. Select Account settings, then select Sign in settings.
  3. Select Authenticator and select Add authenticator.
  4. Verify your identity.
  5. Select Use set up key.
  6. Copy and paste or enter the setup key in your authenticator.
  7. Follow the prompts in your authenticator.
  8. Enter the code from your authenticator in myGov to finish set up.

 

Sign in with an authenticator

To sign in to the myGov website using an authenticator, follow these steps:

  1. Go to my.gov.au and select Sign in.
  2. Enter your username and password.
  3. Enter the code from your authenticator.

To sign in to the myGov app using an authenticator, follow these steps:

  1. Open the app and select Sign in.
  2. Select myGov details.
  3. Enter your username and password.
  4. Enter the code from your authenticator.

Replace an authenticator

To replace your authenticator with a different one, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to myGov.
  2. Select My account or Menu option, then select Account settings.
  3. From Sign in settings go to Authenticator and select Manage.
  4. Select Replace.
  5. Verify your identity.
  6. Using your authenticator on your device scan the QR code on screen.
  7. Complete the set up steps in your authenticator.
  8. Enter the code from your authenticator in myGov to finish set up.

Remove an authenticator

To remove your authenticator, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to myGov.
  2. Select My account or Menu option, then select Account settings.
  3. From Sign in settings go to Authenticator and select Manage.
  4. Select Remove.
  5. Verify your identity.

Before removing an authenticator, you should have another strong sign in option set up on your myGov account. This can be a Digital ID, passkey or Codes by SMS.

If you don’t have another sign in option, you won’t be able to remove your authenticator.

Some linked services have minimum security standards. These services include the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If you remove your authenticator without a strong sign in option, the ATO and NDIS may unlink from your myGov account.

Delete myGov code from authenticator

When you’ve removed your authenticator as a myGov sign in option, you should also delete the myGov code from your authenticator. The myGov code is the entry that creates the codes you use to sign in to myGov.
Page last updated: 6 March 2026