--- title: Google Authenticator canonical: https://saasranked.com/software/google-authenticator/ category: Authenticator Apps points: 46 rank: 8 of 12 facts_checked: 2026-10-08 --- # Google Authenticator Free two-factor code app for Android and iOS that can sync codes to a Google Account. 46 points out of 100. #8 of 12 authenticator apps. Vendor: Google. Website: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447 - The app is free on the iOS App Store [2]. - Signing in to a Google Account syncs your codes across all your devices [1]. - Google's help page says synced codes are encrypted in transit and at rest; it does not mention a key only you hold [1]. - Apps exist for Android 6.0 or above and iOS 16.0 or later only; there is no Windows, Mac or web app [1][2]. - You can use the app without an account, but those codes stay on that device [1]. Verdict: Google Authenticator suits people who want free codes that follow them to a new phone through a Google Account [1][2]. It also offers transfer by QR code and a no-account mode [1]. The catch: Google's page describes encryption in transit and at rest only, the official app is closed source, and it runs on phones only [1][2][3]. Best for: People who want codes on several phones and already use a Google Account. ## Points | Criterion | Line | Value | Points | Note | |---|---|---|---|---| | Security and trust | End-to-end encrypted backup | Not published | 0/12 | Google says codes are encrypted in transit and at rest; the page does not say who holds the key, and the rule excludes this wording [1]. | | Security and trust | Independent audit, 2023 or later | Not published | 0/10 | Not published on the vendor's help page [1]. | | Security and trust | Open-source apps | No | 0/6 | The public Android repository says the official app remains proprietary, and it was archived in 2021 [3]. | | Security and trust | Public bug bounty | Not published | 0/3 | Not published on the vendor's pages [1]. | | Security and trust | App lock | Yes | 6/6 | Privacy Screen needs a PIN, pattern or biometric prompt before the app can be used [1]. | | Backup and recovery | Cloud backup or sync | Yes | 10/10 | Signing in to a Google Account syncs your codes across your devices [1]. | | Backup and recovery | Same codes on several devices | Yes | 7/7 | Synced codes appear on any device where you sign in with the same Google Account [1]. | | Backup and recovery | Export all accounts | Yes | 7/7 | Menu, Transfer codes, Export codes: select the accounts to move and scan the QR code on the new device [1]. | | Backup and recovery | Import from other apps | Not published | 0/6 | Not published on the vendor's help page [1]: it documents Import codes only for moving between Authenticator installs. | | Backup and recovery | Works without an account | Yes | 5/5 | The first-launch option Use without an account lets you add codes with no sign-in [1]. | | Systems | Apps | iOS, Android | 4/12 | Help page covers Android and iOS only; the App Store lists iPhone and iPad [1][2]. | | Features | Stores passkeys | Not published | 0/3 | Not published on the vendor's help page [1]: it only advises using passkeys for your Google Account. | | Features | Sign-in approval prompts | Not published | 0/3 | Not published on the vendor's help page [1]. | | Features | Counter-based (HOTP) codes | Not published | 0/3 | Not published on the vendor's help page [1]. | | Features | Folders, tags or search | Yes | 3/3 | A search bar finds codes, and you can drag codes to reorder them [1]. | | Price | Cost with backup on two devices | $0 | 4/4 | Free on the iOS App Store, with Google Account sync across devices [1][2]. | ## Plans | Plan | Price | Per month (USD) | |---|---|---| | Free | Free [1][2] | $0 | ## Strengths - Free on the iOS App Store, and works on iPhone and Android phones [1][2]. - Codes sync to every device signed in to your Google Account [1]. - A transfer menu exports chosen accounts as a QR code to another device [1]. - Privacy Screen asks for a PIN, pattern or biometric before the app opens [1]. - Search and drag-to-reorder help you find a code [1][2]. ## Limits - Google's page describes synced codes as encrypted in transit and at rest and does not mention a key only you hold [1]. - The official app is proprietary; the public Android repository was archived in 2021 [3]. - No Windows, Mac, Linux or web app is listed [1][2]. - Codes used without an account are stored on that device only and do not reach other devices [1]. ## Sources 1. [Get verification codes with Google Authenticator](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447), Google Account Help, accessed 2026-10-08 2. [Google Authenticator on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605), Apple App Store, accessed 2026-10-08 3. [google/google-authenticator-android](https://github.com/google/google-authenticator-android), GitHub, accessed 2026-10-08