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 mobile 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 that 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 two-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

The app works. However as an application it's a little... threadbare. Once you start adding multiple accounts there is no way to sort them. It just puts them in a list. You can sort them manually. But that is cumbersome. Another issue is that the timer on the right side is covered up for the very bottom entry. So the only way you know when the timer ends and the numbers change is to manually drag it up a line or two. Solution = Setup a dummy account and make sure it is last.

App suddenly desynced from the correct time, and the directions in the Help do not match the reality of what is actually in the app, as if they are outdated for a previous version. As a result, my codes only work for the first few seconds and then stop working. I then have to wait several more seconds for a new one to generate. There is no apparent support to contact about this error.

I've used this authenticator for several years now, and one feature I've always wanted was a way to group codes together or make separate sections for social media accounts, work accounts, etc. Other than wanting that ability, the app is pretty self-explanatory and easy to use. Moving codes up or down on the list to a specific spot is a bit tedious.

What’s new

* Cloud syncing: Your Authenticator codes can now be synced to your Google Account and across your devices, so that 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.