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SPECIFICTION
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Google Authenticator

support.google.com

Free plan iOSAndroid
Visit support.google.com
Spec score 8.4 #23 of 111 in Authenticator apps

What it is

Google Authenticator generates one-time verification codes for websites and apps that support Authenticator app 2-Step Verification. It supports both time-based (TOTP) and counter-based (HOTP) codes, including when there is no internet connection or mobile service. Accounts can be added by scanning QR codes, and multiple accounts can be managed on one device. Signing in to a Google Account synchronizes codes across devices, requiring app version 6.0 or later on Android or 4.0 or later on iOS. Codes are encrypted in transit and at rest across Google products. Privacy Screen can require a PIN, pattern, or biometric check before opening the app. Codes can also be transferred between devices by exporting and importing them with QR codes. The app works without a Google Account, but device-only codes are unavailable on other devices. Google use requires 2-Step Verification on the Google Account. It is free on Android and iOS; the Android app requires Android 6.0 or later, while the listed iOS plan requires iOS 16.0 or later.

Spec sheet

Purpose
The app generates one-time verification codes for sites and apps that support Authenticator app 2-Step Verification.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.google.com
Support
Google Play lists [email protected] as the app support email and links to a Google support website.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Code sync
Signing in to a Google Account lets you synchronize verification codes across devices; this requires app version 6.0 or above on Android or 4.0 or above on iOS.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
Code type
totp and hotpRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.google.com
Code types
It supports time-based and counter-based code generation.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Company history
Google says Google Inc. was officially born in August 1998.Read 11 Oct 2026 · about.google
Encrypted backup
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.google.com
Encryption
Google says Authenticator codes are encrypted in transit and at rest across its products.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
Google sign-in requirement
To use Google Authenticator with Google, users need to enable 2-Step Verification on their Google Account.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Manual transfer
Codes can be transferred between devices by exporting and importing them with QR codes.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
Multi-device sync
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.google.com
Multiple accounts
The app can manage multiple accounts, and it can sync codes for multiple Google Accounts on one mobile device.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
Platform requirement
The Google Play listing says the Android app requires Android 6.0 or above.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
Privacy Screen
Privacy Screen can require device verification, such as a PIN, pattern, or biometric prompt, before the app can be used.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
QR setup
Authenticator accounts can be set up automatically by scanning a QR code.Read 11 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Supported platforms
Android,iOSRead 21 Sep 2026 · support.google.com
Without Google Account
The app can be used without a Google Account, but codes stored only on the device will not be available on other devices.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
Works offline
It can generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.google.com

Plans and prices

Google Authenticator Free iPhone and iPad app · Android app · iOS 16.0 or later · Android 6.0 or above Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com

Every Google Authenticator plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Works without internet or mobile service
  • Supports TOTP and HOTP codes
  • QR-code setup and transfer
  • Encrypted synchronization across devices
  • Privacy Screen protects app access

Limits

  • Device-only codes are unavailable on other devices
  • Google synchronization requires account sign-in
  • Android requires version 6.0 or later

Who it suits

Google Authenticator suits people who need offline one-time codes for multiple accounts on Android or iOS, with optional encrypted synchronization.

Verdict

Google Authenticator is a free mobile code generator with offline operation, QR setup, transfers, and optional synchronization. Users should check platform versions and decide whether to keep codes device-only or sync them.

Where Specifiction places it

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