Google Authenticator

Google LLC

About this app

Google Authenticator adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by adding a second step of verification when you sign in. This means that in addition to your password, you'll also need to enter a code that is generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone. The verification code can be generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone, even if you don't have a network or cellular connection.
* Sync your Authenticator codes to your Google Account and across your devices. This way, you can always access them even if you lose your phone.
* Set up your Authenticator accounts automatically with a QR code. This is quick and easy, and it helps to ensure that your codes are set up correctly.
* Support for multiple accounts. You can use the Authenticator app to manage multiple accounts, so you don't have to switch between apps every time you need to sign in.
* Support for time-based and counter-based code generation. You can choose the type of code generation that best suits your needs.
* Transfer accounts between devices with a QR code. This is a convenient way to move your accounts to a new device.
* To use Google Authenticator with Google, you need to enable 2-Step Verification on your Google Account. To get started visit http://www.google.com/2step Permission notice: Camera: Needed to add accounts using QR codes

Ratings and reviews

1. App lacks any form of backup or sync, even manually. Upgrading to a new phone is a hassle, and I've heard that losing a phone is devastating. 2. The UI sucks. It's just a list. No search, tagging, colors or categories. For those who put auth codes on everything, you'll spend a lot of time looking for the right entry. Until Google revisits this app, go with a cloud based one instead.

Never had any issues with the app, thanks to developers. The only thing which I really miss is ability to add custom text labels to accounts in the list, which will display instead of automatically generated. It will help me since I have 3+ accounts on same service, and it just displays service name. In this case I need to memorize position of row in the list and to which account it corresponds( Also having just the name of the service is not convenient, it might be better to give it my own name

It's really easy to use, and it's great that you can custom-order your list to quickly get to the most used items. One thing I would REALLY like to see though, is a notification feature if someone tries to access your account. It can be as simple as notifying you a minute after a login attempt, if the code was not entered (or after multiple incorrect attempts), so it doesn't send it every time, but only when there might be a malicious login attempt. That was a nice thing about 2-step via text.

What’s new

* Cloud syncing: Your Authenticator codes can now be synced to your Google Account and across your devices, so you can always access them even if you lose your phone.
* Privacy Screen: Access to Authenticator can now be protected by your screen lock, PIN or biometric.
* Improved UX and visuals: We've made the app easier to use and more visually appealing.