To start using Firebase Authentication in your React app, you first need to create a new Firebase project through the Firebase Console. Begin by navigating to the Firebase Console and clicking the Add project button. You will be prompted to enter a project name; choose a unique and descriptive name that reflects your application. After naming your project, you may be asked about enabling Google Analytics. For authentication purposes, this is optional, so you can skip or enable it based on your needs.

Once your project is created, you will be taken to the project dashboard. To configure authentication, select Authentication from the left-hand menu and click Get started. This step is essential, as it activates Firebase Authentication for your project and allows you to enable various sign-in methods, such as Email/Password or social providers.

Next, you must register your web app with Firebase. In the project dashboard, click the web (</>) icon to add a new web application. Assign a nickname for your app, then click Register app. Firebase will generate a configuration object containing your API key, project ID, and other identifiers. These details are required to connect your React app to your Firebase project.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the Firebase project settings relevant to authentication. The key settings include your app's API key, Auth Domain, and Project ID. These values are available in your project's settings under the General tab, within the Your apps section. You will use these credentials when initializing Firebase in your React code to ensure your application can properly communicate with Firebase Authentication services.

Enabling authentication providers is a crucial part of the setup process. In the Authentication section of the Firebase Console, navigate to the Sign-in method tab. Here, you can enable the authentication methods you want your users to use, such as Email/Password, Google, or Facebook. Make sure to save your changes after enabling each provider.