What is Google Authenticator used for?

Google Authenticator is a mobile app from Google that generates one-time verification codes for two-step sign-in to Google Accounts and other supporting sites and apps. It is a good fit for adding two-step sign-in to a Google Account and securing accounts at third-party sites.

Is Google Authenticator free?

Yes. Google Authenticator is free to use.

Is Google Authenticator open source?

No. Google Authenticator is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Google Authenticator include 2FAuth, Aegis Authenticator and 2FAS Auth.

What are some alternatives to Google Authenticator?

Google Authenticator competes with Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Security and 1Password. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Google Authenticator alternatives.

Google Authenticator: features, pricing and alternatives

About Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is a mobile app that produces one-time verification codes for two-step verification. People install it on a phone, link it to an account at a site or app that supports authenticator-based 2-Step Verification, and then enter the current code when signing in, as an added layer beyond the password.

The app works without an internet connection or mobile service once set up. It can also synchronize codes across devices when the user signs in to a Google Account, which requires app version 6.0 or later on Android or 4.0 or later on iOS. Google states that codes are encrypted in transit and at rest. As of version 7.0, the app uses the operating system's time setting instead of its own time correction option.

Key features

One-time verification code generation
Works offline without mobile service
Code sync across devices through Google Account
Encrypted storage of codes
Supports sites with authenticator 2-Step Verification

Good fit for

→Adding two-step sign-in to a Google Account
→Securing accounts at third-party sites

Tags: two-factor-authentication; authenticator; otp; mobile-app; security; google; 2fa

Google Authenticator: questions and answers

What is Google Authenticator used for?: Google Authenticator is a mobile app from Google that generates one-time verification codes for two-step sign-in to Google Accounts and other supporting sites and apps. It is a good fit for adding two-step sign-in to a Google Account and securing accounts at third-party sites.
Is Google Authenticator free?: Yes. Google Authenticator is free to use.
Is Google Authenticator open source?: No. Google Authenticator is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Google Authenticator include 2FAuth, Aegis Authenticator and 2FAS Auth.
What are some alternatives to Google Authenticator?: Google Authenticator competes with Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Security and 1Password. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Google Authenticator alternatives.