Google Authenticator : Official Wiki

Google Authenticator

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Google Authenticator is an iPhone and Android Utilities App, made by Google LLC. Today, it has gone through many interations by the developers - Google LLC, with the latest current version being 3.1.1 which was officially released on 2020-12-07. As a testament to the app's popularity or lack thereof, it has gathered a total of 603 Reviews on the Apple App Store alone, with an average user rating of 2.53897 out of a possible 5 stars.

How does it Work?

Google Authenticator works with 2-Step Verification for your Google Account to provide an additional layer of security when signing in. With 2-Step Verification, signing into your account will require both your password and a verification code you can generate with this app. Once configured, you can get verification codes without the need for a network or cellular connection. Features include: - Automatic setup via QR code - Support for multiple accounts - Support for time-based and counter-based code generation - Transfer accounts between devices via QR code To use Google Authenticator with Google, you need to enable 2-Step Verification on your Google Account. Visit http://www.google.com/2step to get started.

Top Reviews

Essential App, But No Cloud Backup

By Proteus 846

This is one of the most essential apps on my phone. I don’t know why I trust Google with my 2FA codes (I don’t really) but this is a very useful and important app. It is pretty basic as far as apps go, but it works for the intended purpose. They just added the ability to transfer 2FA codes when upgrading to a new phone. They released this feature less than a month after the second wave of new iPhones came out… so less than a month ago I did the transfer manually, turning 2FA off and back on for my new phone across a dozen services. Some were easy to transfer, others were the opposite. It took over an hour. Their timing with this feature is awful, but at least it’s here now I suppose.
Do not use this app!

By Doggettall

If you are in a situation where you are forced to use this app, be sure to keep backup codes so that you can access whatever applications you need to access in the event you lose your connection with Google authenticator. Because of a recent Facebook debacle and not knowing that it was necessary to save recovery codes with Google authenticator, I am now unable to access a 10+ year old Facebook account that includes some business connections. Facebook‘s issues are on them however, since I have a long-standing Google account, I don’t understand how I am unable to recover the connection with my Facebook account to allow me to get back in again. Is google authenticator completely unaffiliated with Google? Very disappointing and in 2021, I can’t believe things are this difficult for the average every day user.
Risky Choice for 2FA

By chopinrlz

Using an authenticator app for 2FA is seen as a top choice for securing access to sensitive accounts over other methods. However, when the app stops loading, and instead crashes on open, you can easily lose access to these accounts if you’re relying on the app for 2FA and you don’t have backup methods configured (or physically accessible to you in the moment). This app is quite terrible in terms of its support and user experience. It did work, at one point, and now it doesn’t which means that I can never rely on it again. I’ve been slowing shifting to the Microsoft Authenticator app which has a superior user experience and feature set, is substantially more reliable, and works. I would not use this app if I were you.
Finally!!!!!

By Review guy 467

I just wanted to say Thank you for finally putting a export accounts option to move from device to device cause this was always my more preferred app but due to lack of exporting accounts couldn’t take the risk so I’ve been using the Microsoft version. I did like how there was a Apple Watch version although It was never really that useful anyway. But I hope maybe there might be a Apple Watch version of this someday if not that’s fine then. Please always keep improving this app.
Is this the update we’ve been waiting for?

By 2trot

I saw with the most recent update Google added the feature to move accounts to a new device. Previously the Authenticator app only moved Google accounts so if it now moves all accounts that are stored in the Authenticator app that would make this app 100% more useful. I only change devices every few years so I’ll need to wait to confirm but this appears to be a major update with a feature that people have wanted for a very long time
Won’t start after iOS 14.2 update, v3.1.0 of the app

By philiaagape

(UPDATE: it’s working again after app update! The App Store told me there was no update available when I first checked, but now 10 min later there is an update. Problem was Apple, not Google.) I have loved google Authenticator for my 2fa needs: SSH verification and websites. But now the app will not start. I’ve rebooted my phone and checked the App Store for updates but I’m running version 3.1.0 of the app already.
It’s alright... but they listened to my feedback and improved!

By iLangston

The app doesn’t explain many of its features well and has noticeably less features than the versions on other phones. I sent a detailed feedback message about important features that were missing, and a few weeks later all the features I mentioned were either improved upon or added! It makes me happy that my input was listened to!
Barely half baked still!

By cimeelsekalb

Sure I’m down with everything Cupertino but love all things Google as well! However, this Authenticator is still years behind others. Not only should they have already had dark mode in place when they had it in place with all the other apps they produce BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO LOG IN FROM A DIFFERENT DEVICE AND ALL YOUR ACCOUNTS ARE THERE! I personally had an old device stolen from me and when I set up my new device I was screwed b\c all my 2FA numbers were on that old device. This *NEW* feature still doesn’t address this issue b\c you need THE OLD DEVICE! How’s that going to help me??! I still can’t get into my Dashlane Password Manager b\c that 2FA was linked to that stolen device’s Google Auth. I finally discovered Authy and haven’t looked back! It’s free and does every exact thing i want or need! Get on the ball Google!!!!
The best authenticator you can find!

By devinside

This app has always been the gold standard and the most recent update brings everything that was missing - dark mode and export options plus an updated interface.
Finally I can transfer codes to my new device

By fexzi

At first, it was a big task for me to reset a lot of auth codes for different websites on my new device. Now I can just easily export them without no stress of creating new codes again. Big update and very very useful. Thanks..

External Links

Google LLC Official Website
Download for Free on On iTunes
Download for Android

Disclaimers:
This page was last edited on 2020-12-07.
Content is available under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 unless otherwise noted.
Google Authenticator content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of Google LLC or its licensors. All rights reserved.
This site, Mycryptowiki, is not affiliated with Google LLC.

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