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What is Google Authenticator?

Google Authenticator generates 2-Step Verification codes right on your mobile device, adding an important layer of security to your Google Account by requiring a second verification step when you log in. In addition to entering your password, you will also need a code produced by the Google Authenticator app on your phone. This setup allows you to securely and conveniently access a wide range of websites and services through your Google Account, all while keeping your privacy preferences within your control. To further enhance the security of your account, take advantage of the Security Checkup tool, which provides tailored guidance and practical steps to strengthen your account's defenses. It is essential to be aware that compromised passwords are more common than many people realize. The implementation of two-step verification acts as a strong safeguard against unauthorized access by requiring an extra verification step following your password entry, thus greatly improving your account's overall security. By employing this method, you can enjoy a heightened sense of security, knowing that your personal information is better shielded from potential threats. Ultimately, taking these precautions not only protects your data but also gives you confidence while navigating online.

Pricing

Free Version:
Free Version available.

Screenshots and Video

Company Facts

Company Name:
Google
Date Founded:
1998
Company Location:
United States
Company Website:
g.co/2step

Product Details

Deployment
iPhone
iPad
Android
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Support
Web-Based Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

Google Authenticator Categories and Features

Authentication Software

Biometric
Credential Management
Knowledge-Based Authentication
Mobile Authentication
Multifactor Authentication
Out-of-Band Authentication
Policy Management
Self Service Portal
Single Sign On
Social Sign On
  • Reviewer Name: shristi B.
    Position: Developer
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 5,000 - 9,999
    Feature Set
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    Ease Of Use
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Best authenticator

    Date: Sep 08 2021
    Summary

    Overall, best authenticator on the market which is free to you for the people.
    Works really fast and helps me secure my accounts.

    Positive

    Secure and fast authenticator.
    Easy to use and login.
    Can be used to authenticate and save you time.

    Negative

    No cons works perfectly for me, great authenticator.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Junaid A.
    Position: Front End Developer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1,000 - 4,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Futuristic Authentication System.

    Date: Feb 17 2021
    Summary

    Overall, Google Authenticator is 2 step authentication for accounts that makes them more secure and less prone to attacks. This day and age must get an extra layer of security, and google provides that with its authentication system.

    Positive

    -Web security is critical, and google authenticator is the best two-factor authentication solution to give you an extra layer of security.
    -Its adds an extra layer of protection for passwords and is the most accepted 2FA on all websites.
    -It is effortless to set up and use and remove.

    Negative

    -Transferring the account to a new smartphone is complicated.
    -The interface is rigid and not customizable.
    You cannot transfer the codes to another device.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Melanie T.
    Position: Finance Assistant
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1,000 - 4,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Great two-step security at your fingertips.

    Date: Mar 04 2021
    Summary

    Google Authenticator is a great platform to protect my personal information from my Google account and to allow me to generate a higher level of security for my account in general, either to access my email or to access my cloud storage. Google Authenticator allows me to generate a 6-digit code every 30 seconds, which is really beneficial and allows me to put in a new code after a little time, so that there is no problem at the time of making a mistake when placing the code at login. In addition, this application takes up very little space on the cell phone, it can be installed without any kind of problem, it does not consume much capacity of the mobile device and it allows to have a two-step security at your fingertips.

    Positive

    Protecting my Google account is something that this application has done very well, and it is that with its great two-step protection system, it has managed to keep my account private at all times and that no intruder enters my personal data or business emails. One of the things that I liked the most about Google Authenticator is that this application generates unlimited codes for me, a 6-digit code every 30 seconds, no matter how many times I make a mistake writing the code, I will always have the possibility of obtaining a New code to enter my Google account, compared to other two-step authentication services, which limit me to 1 code per minute. In addition, I love the way I can access my Google account only using an application on my cell phone, since it is not necessary to receive codes by SMS or via email, just use this great application.

    Negative

    The only negative feature that I have noticed in Google Authenticator is when using this application to receive verification codes to access my Instagram account. This authentication system takes much longer to generate a code for Instagram, and I do not understand why. Obviously I have stopped using this application to receive two-step authentication for my Instagram account, and currently I only use it to access my Google account. I would be delighted if you optimize code generation for two-step verification on Instagram.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Kuldip A.
    Position: Intern
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Be double sure

    Updated: Mar 01 2021
    Summary

    You should use it to make your data more secure. It would definitely prevent any intrusion and secure your data from invalid access.

    Positive

    You can introduce OTP-like verification to any of the websites for better and more secure logins. It ensures that one could not get access by password only.

    Negative

    It does not support a lot of websites. One can use your authenticator codes if leaked as few are saved locally.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Divya C.
    Position: Chief Director
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Step up your security

    Date: May 20 2021
    Summary

    It can be used offline as well.
    It is upmost the best authenticator in the market.
    Trusted globally and by most of the software.

    Positive

    Just install and ready to use.
    Integratable with lots of software.
    No downtime and very reliable.
    Simple user interface.

    Negative

    One can see your offline keys and exploit them for bad use.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Max S.
    Position: Contact Center Engineer
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Great Security Feature to add!

    Date: Feb 23 2021
    Summary

    Overall my experience with Google Authenticator has been nothing but the best, its ease of use and setup is great!

    Positive

    Love using this with my accounts to add an extra layer of security to get in. Having this in place I can rest at night knowing my accounts can't be hacked

    Negative

    No real cons with this just wish more apps have the capabilities to add this layer of security to

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Cate W.
    Position: Digital Marketer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 5,000 - 9,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Limit the Access of Your Systems Using Google Authenticator

    Date: Feb 18 2021
    Summary

    Google Authenticator has a substantial means of supporting security, through limited access of information and content that concerns individuals or companies.

    Positive

    Google Authenticator ensures only the authorized persons who gain access to a company's site. Furthermore, Google Authenticator ensures there is privacy and transparency in anything that a company requires.

    Negative

    Google Authenticator has all the security requirements, which ensures privacy of a company is well maintained.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Asim M.
    Position: Technical Support Executive
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 5,000 - 9,999
    Feature Set
    Ease Of Use
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Valuable authenticator

    Date: Apr 29 2021
    Summary

    Google authenticator is overall a decent and secure 2FA authentication application and helps me a lot to keep my accounts secure.

    Positive

    It is a valuable authenticator and gives enormous security to the digital wallets and applications with 2FA technology. OTPs are received instantly on the app for authentications.

    Negative

    Changing device is a little bit issue if you forgets to transfer your account before activating the device.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Andres M.
    Position: Property Sales Manager
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1,000 - 4,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Two-step authentication on my mobile phone.

    Date: Mar 03 2021
    Summary

    My overall experience with Google Authenticator has been perfect, I have been able to add two-step security to my Gmail, Amazon and Facebook accounts. At first I thought this would only protect my Google account, however it managed to protect several social branches and currently provides me with two-step security for each of them. I am very grateful to this service for allowing me to add a totally essential security, which protects my personal data and prevents any intruder from accessing my information.

    Positive

    Google Authenticator is the best way to protect the login of some of the pages that I use regularly. I currently use this authentication service in order to protect my Facebook, Amazon and Gmail account. This authentication service is totally efficient, since every 30 seconds it provides a totally different code, for each login that is configured and associated with the application. One of the things I like the most about Google Authenticator is that it has a completely simple configuration process, in just a few configuration steps in my Google account, I have been able to enjoy perfect two-step security, which I has helped to further safeguard my account. The configuration process is totally easy, just scan a QR code and in an automated way, you will have a ready configuration.

    Negative

    I have no complaints whatsoever with how Google Authenticator works. This two-step protection service has managed to add additional security to some web pages that I use regularly, and it has also been able to protect my personal information. I am very happy using this two-step security as it consistently provides me with 6-digit codes and I have never had a problem with my two-step security for my accounts associated with this service.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Helen N.
    Position: Junior Engineer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Well secures our digital goods

    Date: Nov 05 2020
    Summary

    Overall Google Authenticator is a must have application for the people who deal with virtual wallets and digital goods in today's era, as it actually provides a lot of security to our all digital stuff and keep us safe from intruders.

    Positive

    Google Authenticator is a great application to save us from online frauds and hackings of our digital goods as it provides extra layers of security to our credentials. The 2FA codes delivery is instant and reliable and give a feel of virtual security for users.

    Negative

    Google authenticator has always been effective for me and never got any problems in its services.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Sadaf S.
    Position: Teacher
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Increase factor of safety for security

    Date: Nov 05 2020
    Summary

    Overall it is always good to be secure and get safe for online activities and Google Authenticator provides that security very effectively.

    Positive

    Google Authenticator significantly increases the factor of safety and security for our emails, digital wallets and all other online stuff as we get instant one time passcode to login for applications which are secured through google authenticator 2FA.

    Negative

    Google Authenticator doesn't support and provide 2FA security for every application and has support for limited wallets and online stuff.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Laurie O.
    Position: Teacher
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Security with easy two factor authentication

    Date: Sep 30 2020
    Summary

    Overall Google Authenticator is convenient to use and apply it for our apps, where two factor authentications are allowed. It is a good addition for the security of daily online usage.

    Positive

    Google Authenticator has a very convenient and trustworthy two factor authentication service for valued security of our online activities and apps. I usually use it for my digital wallets and it has always provided secured and tension free transactional experience for me.

    Negative

    The time period of instant code is very less and most of the times, I misses it at first attempt to login my 2FA apps.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Senior Software Engineer
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 5,000 - 9,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Simple solution for 2FA

    Date: Aug 20 2020
    Summary

    Google Authenticator is a simple app which can be used as a second layer of security on Google services and login.

    Positive

    Lightweight, simple to use app
    Additional layer of security
    Works even offline
    Available on smartphones

    Negative

    No cons, its a really simple app and works well.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Chet N.
    Position: CEO
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Not a fan

    Date: Apr 23 2020
    Summary

    Overall it works and functions right but I don't think it's a very needed piece of software as it's complex.

    Positive

    Great to set up for 2 step authentication for accessing your Google accounts. Works well and doesn't have issues.

    Negative

    I don't like it because of how you have to have a device nearby.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Jenny P.
    Position: Teacher
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Works great

    Date: Nov 06 2020
    Summary

    In my personal experience, since using Google Authenticator I feel much more relaxed about my digital goods as now I am assured about their security.

    Positive

    If anyone is bothered about his/her digital goods security then Google Authenticator is best application to choose. We get instant codes on our authorized device for accessing our linked apps, which make it impossible for anyone to steal credentials.

    Negative

    Have been a good experience so far while using Google Authenticator app.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Rohan J.
    Position: Software Developer
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Best 2FA app

    Date: May 26 2020
    Summary

    Google Authenticator is a brilliant tool that can be easily used in many applications to provide an extra layer of security.

    Positive

    Easy to setup.
    Manage multiple accounts.
    Can be used on multiple devices.
    Instant notifications.
    Integrates really well with Google Suite .

    Negative

    As the security is tied to device, if you lose your device you lose access to your accounts.
    Complicated process of transferring to different device.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Maqsood S.
    Position: Software Engineer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Essential Security Add on

    Date: Dec 11 2020
    Summary

    Altogether, this application is a must these days. It is easy to use and reliable. I have been using it for a long time now, and it works wonderfully, it could be accessed and used offline as well, which come very handy. To assure the safety of your confidential data, this app is essential.

    Positive

    In this era where data breaches are so common, google authenticator is an essential app to assure security to your app, which contains your confidential data. I have been using it for emails, cloud storage, shopping apps, digital wallet and on every app with my confidential information.

    Negative

    The application is perfect for authentication and does not have any drawbacks.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Data analyst
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Simple and powerful authenticator.

    Date: Aug 17 2020
    Summary

    It's a lightweight and powerful 2-factor authenticator for any accounts. Overall I use Google Authenticator to protect my account and no one can access even someone who has my password.

    Positive

    It's very easy to add accounts. Simple scan required to add accounts. Monthly backup codes. Easy to generate offline codes. Powerfully adds two-factor authentications to accounts.

    Negative

    Overall it's an outstanding 2-factor authenticator.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Student
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 20,000 or More
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Make sure you safely store your keys in case your device dies

    Date: Jun 08 2020
    Summary

    So easy to use, much less hassle than other two factor systems. Supported by a wide range of services too!

    Positive

    I love the UI of Google Authenticator. Clear, easy to read, with an intuitive rotating / decreasing circular icon to indicate how long til the current code expires and is replaced with the next one. Easy access to all your authenticator codes on the same screen. Ability to store multiple codes for the same service, as long as it's different accounts.

    Negative

    My phone died (bootloop issue...) and made it so I couldn't use my two factor accounts for almost a year. It's my fault though, I should have stored the backup keys safely and that would have allowed me to create a new two factor device, probably.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Anchit R.
    Position: Web developer
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Monthly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Guards your account

    Date: May 27 2020
    Summary

    Google Authenticator is very-very useful way to secure your account. It makes your account secure and very difficult to breach even someone steal your password. It adds Multi-factor authentication to your account. You can easily generate login code even offline.

    Positive

    Makes your account more secure.
    Works offline or without data connection.
    Takes few seconds to set-up.
    No login process, just scan QR code and it's done.
    Small size but very powerful.

    Negative

    How such a good app have negative review, it just perfect.

    Read More...