Google Authenticator
Google's two-factor authentication app that generates time-based codes for online accounts. Free.
About Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a free app for Android and iOS that generates one-time verification codes for sites and apps that support Authenticator app 2-Step Verification. Codes can be generated without an internet connection or mobile service. The app can be used with a Google Account or without one.
Signing in to a Google Account lets codes sync across devices. Without an account, codes are stored only on the device and are not available on other devices. To use the app on Android, the device must run Android 6.0 or above. Setting up Google Authenticator for a Google Account may take up to 7 days to appear as a sign-in option.
Key features
- Generates one-time verification codes for apps that support Authenticator 2-Step Verification
- Generates codes without an internet connection or mobile service
- Syncs codes across devices when signed in to a Google Account
- Can be used without a Google Account, with codes stored only on the device
- Transfers codes to a new device by exporting and scanning a QR code
- Displays codes for multiple Google Accounts from the same mobile device
Best for: People who want a free two-factor authentication app for supported sign-ins on an Android or iOS phone or tablet.
Good for
- Free to use, according to the directory listing
- Codes can be generated without an internet connection or mobile service
- Codes saved to a Google Account are encrypted in transit and at rest in Google's systems
Watch out for
- Codes used without a Google Account are not available on other devices
- On Android, the app requires version 6.0 or above
- Version 7.0 removed the time correction setting and uses the operating system's time instead
Google Authenticator at a glance
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Password Managers
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 7, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 7, 2026
Guides for Password Managers
Google Authenticator alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Use Stratum, an open-source Android app for generating two-factor authentication codes, with encrypted backups, account categories, and a Wear OS companion app.
Tofu, an iOS authenticator, that adds accounts by scanning issuer QR codes and generates time-based or counter-based one-time passwords offline.
Free Microsoft mobile authenticator for sign-in approvals, time-based codes, and documented account backup and recovery.
Free
10 alternatives
Mauth provides two-factor authentication for Android that supports TOTP and HOTP codes and compatibility with Google Authenticator.
Open source
24 alternatives
Free multi-factor authentication app for Zoho and third-party accounts with backup and multi-device sync.
Free
10 alternatives
Stratum Auth is an Android and Wear OS two-factor authentication client supporting TOTP and HOTP codes, encrypted backups, and account categories.
Open source
24 alternativesFeatured in
8 sites
Best of
8 Best Free Authenticator Apps for Codes and Recovery
I'd choose Ente Auth when codes need to work across phones and computers, and Aegis for a local Android vault. These…
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Google Authenticator FAQ
Can I use Google Authenticator without a Google Account?
Yes. When you first open the app, you can tap Use without an account. Codes are then stored on the device and will not be available on your other devices.
Do I need an internet connection to get codes?
No. The app can generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.
How do I move my codes to a new device?
On the old device, use Menu, then Transfer codes, then Export codes to create a QR code. On the new device, install the app, sign in or use it without an account, then use Menu, then Transfer codes, then Import codes to scan the QR code.
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