Security and trust6 of 37
Backup and recovery29 of 35
Systems4 of 12
Features3 of 12
Price4 of 4
authenticator app · Google
Google Authenticator
Free two-factor code app for Android and iOS that can sync codes to a Google Account.
In short
- The app is free on the iOS App Store2.
- Signing in to a Google Account syncs your codes across all your devices1.
- Google's help page says synced codes are encrypted in transit and at rest; it does not mention a key only you hold1.
- Apps exist for Android 6.0 or above and iOS 16.0 or later only; there is no Windows, Mac or web app1,2.
- You can use the app without an account, but those codes stay on that device1.
Google Authenticator suits people who want free codes that follow them to a new phone through a Google Account1,2. It also offers transfer by QR code and a no-account mode1. The catch: Google's page describes encryption in transit and at rest only, the official app is closed source, and it runs on phones only1,2,3.
Best for: People who want codes on several phones and already use a Google Account.
Where the points come from
Security and trust 6 of 37 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encrypted backup | Not publishedGoogle says codes are encrypted in transit and at rest; the page does not say who holds the key, and the rule excludes this wording1. | 0 / 12 |
| Independent audit, 2023 or later | Not publishedNot published on the vendor's help page1. | 0 / 10 |
| Open-source apps | NoThe public Android repository says the official app remains proprietary, and it was archived in 20213. | 0 / 6 |
| Public bug bounty | Not publishedNot published on the vendor's pages1. | 0 / 3 |
| App lock | YesPrivacy Screen needs a PIN, pattern or biometric prompt before the app can be used1. | 6 / 6 |
Backup and recovery 29 of 35 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud backup or sync | YesSigning in to a Google Account syncs your codes across your devices1. | 10 / 10 |
| Same codes on several devices | YesSynced codes appear on any device where you sign in with the same Google Account1. | 7 / 7 |
| Export all accounts | YesMenu, Transfer codes, Export codes: select the accounts to move and scan the QR code on the new device1. | 7 / 7 |
| Import from other apps | Not publishedNot published on the vendor's help page1: it documents Import codes only for moving between Authenticator installs. | 0 / 6 |
| Works without an account | YesThe first-launch option Use without an account lets you add codes with no sign-in1. | 5 / 5 |
Systems 4 of 12 points
Features 3 of 12 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Stores passkeys | Not publishedNot published on the vendor's help page1: it only advises using passkeys for your Google Account. | 0 / 3 |
| Sign-in approval prompts | Not publishedNot published on the vendor's help page1. | 0 / 3 |
| Counter-based (HOTP) codes | Not publishedNot published on the vendor's help page1. | 0 / 3 |
| Folders, tags or search | YesA search bar finds codes, and you can drag codes to reorder them1. | 3 / 3 |
Price 4 of 4 points
The rule behind each line: how we score authenticator apps.
Plans and prices
As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.
Strengths
- Free on the iOS App Store, and works on iPhone and Android phones1,2.
- Codes sync to every device signed in to your Google Account1.
- A transfer menu exports chosen accounts as a QR code to another device1.
- Privacy Screen asks for a PIN, pattern or biometric before the app opens1.
- Search and drag-to-reorder help you find a code1,2.
Limits
- Google's page describes synced codes as encrypted in transit and at rest and does not mention a key only you hold1.
- The official app is proprietary; the public Android repository was archived in 20213.
- No Windows, Mac, Linux or web app is listed1,2.
- Codes used without an account are stored on that device only and do not reach other devices1.
Other authenticator apps
- 1
Ente AuthPeople who want encrypted sync, open source and a web view of their codes91/100$0cost with backup on two devices - 2
Proton AuthenticatorPeople who want encrypted sync and a Windows or Linux app79/100$0cost with backup on two devices - 3
Zoho OneAuthPeople who want free encrypted backup and the same codes on a phone and a computer74/100$0cost with backup on two devices - 4
2FAS AuthiPhone and Android users who want a free app without an account73/100$0cost with backup on two devices
Sources
- Get verification codes with Google Authenticator, Google Account Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Google Authenticator on the App Store, Apple App Store. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- google/google-authenticator-android, GitHub. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Website: support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447 · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Google.