Yubico Authenticator
A free authenticator app that stores TOTP secrets on a YubiKey instead of the phone or computer.
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About Yubico Authenticator
Yubico Authenticator generates the same six-digit codes as other authenticator apps, but the secrets live on a YubiKey hardware security key rather than in the app. When you need a code, you plug in the key or tap it against an NFC-capable phone, and the app reads a code from it; the secret cannot be extracted from the key's secure element. Because the codes travel with the key, the same accounts work on every computer and phone where the app is installed, and replacing a phone does not mean re-enrolling anything. The app is free and open source under Apache 2.0, and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. It also manages other YubiKey features such as passkeys, PIN settings and smart card certificates. The obvious requirement is a YubiKey, which is a paid hardware purchase, and you should register a second key as a backup since losing the only key means losing its codes. Each key can also hold only a limited number of TOTP accounts.
Best for: People who want their 2FA secrets on hardware that moves between devices.
Pros and cons
What works
- Secrets stay on the YubiKey and cannot be extracted
- Same codes on any device with the app
- Free, open-source app on desktop and mobile
Why people leave
- Requires buying a YubiKey
- Losing the key without a backup key loses its codes
- Limited number of accounts per key
Top Yubico Authenticator alternatives
See all 4- 1
Ente Auth66.5Software-only codes with encrypted sync, no hardware needed.
- 2
Proton Authenticator62.6Free cross-platform app with encrypted sync instead of a hardware key.
- 3
Aegis Authenticator59.6Encrypted local vault on Android without extra hardware.
- 4
KeePassXC44.2Keeps TOTP secrets in an offline, open-source password database on desktop.
Why people left Yubico Authenticator
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Yubico Authenticator: common questions
Is Yubico Authenticator free?
Yes, Yubico Authenticator is free to use.
Is Yubico Authenticator open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at Yubico/yubioath-flutter.
What platforms does Yubico Authenticator run on?
Yubico Authenticator is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
What are the best alternatives to Yubico Authenticator?
The highest-ranked Yubico Authenticator alternatives right now are Ente Auth, Proton Authenticator and Aegis Authenticator. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.