Google Authenticator

Google's free authenticator app for Android and iOS, with optional code sync through your Google Account.

Visit Google Authenticator See 6 alternatives

Verified facts: 5 of 5
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is the app most people meet first when a site asks them to set up two-step verification, and many sites still mention it by name. It generates standard time-based and counter-based one-time codes for any service that supports authenticator apps, not just Google, and codes work without an internet connection or mobile signal. Since 2023 it can sync your codes to your Google Account, so they survive a lost or replaced phone; Google says codes are encrypted in transit and at rest, but this is not end-to-end encryption, so Google holds the keys. You can also choose to use it without an account and keep codes on the device only, and move them to a new phone with a transfer QR code. It is free with no ads or paid tier and runs on Android and iOS. The app is deliberately basic: there is no desktop version, few organisation features and limited export options compared with open-source rivals.

Best for: People who want a simple, free authenticator and are comfortable with Google syncing their codes.

What works

Free and very widely supported
Optional cloud sync through your Google Account
Works offline
Can be used without an account

Why people leave

Cloud sync is not end-to-end encrypted
No desktop or browser app
Basic organisation and export options

Top Google Authenticator alternatives

See all 6

1
Ente Auth
Open source with end-to-end encrypted sync and apps for desktop and web.
66.5
2
Aegis Authenticator
Open-source Android app with an encrypted vault and automatic local backups.
62.6
3
2FAS Auth
Free, open-source and account-free, with a browser extension for faster logins.
59.6
4
Proton Authenticator
Free and open source with end-to-end encrypted sync and desktop apps.
57.2
5
Microsoft Authenticator
Also free, adding push approvals for Microsoft personal and work accounts.
55.3

Why people left Google Authenticator

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Google Authenticator: common questions

Is Google Authenticator free?

Yes, Google Authenticator is free to use.

Is Google Authenticator open source?

No, Google Authenticator is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Ente Auth, Aegis Authenticator and 2FAS Auth.

What platforms does Google Authenticator run on?

Google Authenticator is available for Android and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to Google Authenticator?

The highest-ranked Google Authenticator alternatives right now are Ente Auth, Aegis Authenticator and 2FAS Auth. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 Google Authenticator alternatives

Google Authenticator facts

5 of 5 verified

Offline codes: Yes; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “You can still generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.”
Cloud sync: Via Google Account; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.”
Account required: No, optional; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “tap Use without an account .”
Android requirement: Android 6.0 or above; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “you need Android version 6.0 or above.”
Encryption: In transit and at rest; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “Google encrypts Authenticator codes both in transit and at rest across our products.”