Google Authenticator code is incorrect in OpenVPN causing trouble? Read to find out how we can resolve it. 

At Bobcares, we offer solutions for every query, big and small, as a part of our Server Management Service.

Let’s take a look at how our Support Team recently helped out a customer with the error: Google Authenticator code is incorrect in OpenVPN

How to resolve Google Authenticator code is incorrect in OpenVPN

The “Google Authenticator code is incorrect” error often occurs when the six-digit code is entered incorrectly. In fact, the error can be due to the wrong code, date/time, or timezone on the server or client device.

Google Authenticator utilizes the current date and time in order to adjust to timezones automatically. Moreover, the server and client device need to have the correct timezone, time, and date set.

The Google Authenticator uses a combination of time, date as well as a shared secret to create a unique six-digit code. The secret shared key is accessible by the Access Server and Google Authenticator.

In case the timezone or date/time is incorrect on either the client device or the server, the six-digit code will not match. This is when we come across the Google Authenticator code is incorrect error.

Furthermore, the code is valid only for 30 seconds. OpenVPN Access Server will accept the current code, the previous code as well as the following codes.

Once the user enters the correct code, the time and date are set correctly, we can reset the Google Authenticator key and enroll again to resolve the error.

Interestingly, our Support Engineers have observed that in many cases, the issue is due to a drifting system clock on the server, usually on virtual cloud-based hardware.

Our Support Team recommends installing a Network Time Protocol or NTP client program. This pulls the correct time from the internet automatically. In fact, a difference of 30 seconds or more can result in an error.

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Conclusion

At the end of the day, our skilled Support Engineers at Bobcares demonstrated how to deal with the error Google Authenticator code is incorrect in OpenVPN.