Google Authenticator Reviews

by Monster Trucks And Dogs

Use any other MFA app, but this one. It does not save your information. If you change phones or migrate phone platforms, you are completely screwed unless you remove mfa from all your apps before you uninstall the Google Authenticator app. And if you lose your phone, you are just screwed with no recourse.
If you use the Microsoft Authenticator, at least it will remember your information while you are on the same phone platform. But Google? Nope. Don’t even bother to ask for help because all you will receive is arrogant script kiddies belittling you for something you didn’t even know you were supposed to do. I’ll be uninstalling many Google apps in the coming month. I can definitely do without you at least Microsoft has support for the products they make. Imagine if GM made you ask other car owners how to use the windshield wipers, or how to change a tire. Google’s arrogance is amazing. I’ll make use of capitalism and find a better mouse trap.

by Manu_9804

The reason I simple: since there is no way to back up your accounts: if GoogleAuthenticator doesn't start, crashes, or worse, you have NO way to get your accounts back. This is basically what happened to me. First, after upgrading to iOS 15, I noticed that all my accounts got duplicated for no reason. Then, I tried to remove each duplicate, and at some point GoogleAuthenticator crashed and all my account got erased in the process!!! Thankfully, I had tested - a few months ago - the account transfer feature, to see if I could transfer to my iPad,l. So I had a "backup" of sorts on my iPad and wasn't locked out of my accounts. But if I had not done that, everything would have been lost and I would be locked out of everything!!!

by Go Cuba

One day like any other I decide to enter my GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR and all my key (accounts) were repeated, so I decide to delete the copy or repetition of each account, and everything remains as always, or as it should be, I leave google 2FA and when I go back in to my surprise all the accounts I had were deleted, therefore I have lost all my 2FA passwords, since Google AUTHENTICATOR made the Serious mistake of duplicating my accounts, and then deleting them when they were normal, I hope it will Somehow the support can help me, since it was GoogleAuthenticator itself that eliminated them.

by Nyx._.

I recently upgraded my phone and none of my data transferred nor does GoogleAuthenticator offer cloud backups,I’ve had to contact support for each of my accounts and have them turn off 2FA for me. The fact that this is a google app and I have to use my Gmail to use GoogleAuthenticator should mean cloud backups for that account. And yeah I get there’s a transfer but that completely useless because you have to have the previous phone data still in tact to even use, when most people just whip the phone and give it to a family member or sell it online. Look for something else I recommend Authy or Microsoft’s Authenticator.

by G_harp

Like many other reviewers, it finally happened to me: Last week, I opened the Google Auth app to see all my accounts and codes duplicated. I went through and removed the dupes, and everything was fine until today, when I launched GoogleAuthenticator to find an empty “welcome” screen and no codes.

This is the same phone I’ve had for years, GoogleAuthenticator hadn’t updated in weeks or months… no clue what caused this, and I’ve used GoogleAuthenticator daily for years… until this happened out of the blue.

User beware - if you use GoogleAuthenticator, make extra sure you save your backup codes and have a backup auth method on all your 2FA accounts. Personally, I’m using this as an opportunity to migrate to another auth app that allows secure backups and no reports of random resets.

by HiMeh-

I had been using GoogleAuthenticator for a year now I think. Randomly I updated it and my 2FA accounts were duplicated, so I had to delete the duplicated ones. Today I was doing nothing at all with my phone, didn’t restart it, didn’t delete anything, didn’t update anything (I have auto updates disabled) and suddenly when I get into GoogleAuthenticator because I had to use it, everything got deleted, as if it was my first time using GoogleAuthenticator .

I changed to Microsoft app now, there is no backup method in Google Authenticator. I also had to delete my Sentri account which had an open application because of GoogleAuthenticator.

by Codgod1335

After two years using Authenticator I am very disappointed in the lack of communication in the lack of support and basic usage steps.

I have lost over 8 accounts, imagine being hassled to set up two factor authentication every time you log in only to lose your accounts if you ever upgrade phones. Not once or anywhere on GoogleAuthenticator does it say that you will need both phones present to transfer the codes. I run a business through Facebook which generates over 500k in revenue a year. Imagine losing an account with that much value. Luckily I have things in place to keep up advertising.

That being said I will be contacting my lawyer and looking into what options are available to me maybe even look into class actions as I see many others are having the same issue

by J0CCC

Do not get GoogleAuthenticator!! I’m sure there are other apps that can safely store your information. I got my phone smashed and haven’t been able to retrieve anything, I thought everything saved to my iCloud but nothing was backed up. I had the screenshots from GoogleAuthenticator but due to have my phone smashed, I obviously can’t see them. I was never sent an email (as they should confirming this service) and have 0 trace of what I used to create this account. You’d think it’d work with a google account but no, it’s like I never had it. I’ve been unable to reach my passwords to accounts I’ve had for years and I have read every site possible with no solution. Google has no contact number to reach when you need help and if they do they just send you to the most unhelpful links. It’s a really unpleasant experience I urge you to not get GoogleAuthenticator.

by MisterBigJake

GoogleAuthenticator displayed duplicates for all my accounts. Naturally, I deleted all the duplicates. A few days later I was prompted with the “get started” screen, and to my horror ALL of my accounts were deleted(including crypto wallets and other extremely important things). As it turns out, I am not the only one affected. Simply search “Google Authenticator Duplicates iOS 15” online.

I am currently locked out of ALOT of money and several productivity accounts at work and might be completely out of luck. I expected much better from Google and this has only hastened my separation from their products and services. This is inexcusable. Typically I am lenient, but when a product exists to secure your online accounts, it shouldn’t effectively lock you out of them. This is outrageous and it blows my mind that QA did not catch this.

by Doggettall

If you are in a situation where you are forced to use GoogleAuthenticator, be sure to keep backup codes so that you can access whatever applications you need to access in the event you lose your connection with Google authenticator. Because of a recent Facebook debacle and not knowing that it was necessary to save recovery codes with Google authenticator, I am now unable to access a 10+ year old Facebook account that includes some business connections. Facebook‘s issues are on them however, since I have a long-standing Google account, I don’t understand how I am unable to recover the connection with my Facebook account to allow me to get back in again. Is google authenticator completely unaffiliated with Google? Very disappointing and in 2021, I can’t believe things are this difficult for the average every day user.

by Chopinrlz

Using an authenticator app for 2FA is seen as a top choice for securing access to sensitive accounts over other methods. However, when GoogleAuthenticator stops loading, and instead crashes on open, you can easily lose access to these accounts if you’re relying on GoogleAuthenticator for 2FA and you don’t have backup methods configured (or physically accessible to you in the moment). GoogleAuthenticator is quite terrible in terms of its support and user experience. It did work, at one point, and now it doesn’t which means that I can never rely on it again. I’ve been slowing shifting to the Microsoft Authenticator app which has a superior user experience and feature set, is substantially more reliable, and works. I would not use GoogleAuthenticator if I were you.

by ILangston

GoogleAuthenticator doesn’t explain many of its features well and has noticeably less features than the versions on other phones. I sent a detailed feedback message about important features that were missing, and a few weeks later all the features I mentioned were either improved upon or added! It makes me happy that my input was listened to!

by 2trot

I saw with the most recent update Google added the feature to move accounts to a new device. Previously the Authenticator app only moved Google accounts so if it now moves all accounts that are stored in the Authenticator app that would make GoogleAuthenticator 100% more useful. I only change devices every few years so I’ll need to wait to confirm but this appears to be a major update with a feature that people have wanted for a very long time

by Proteus846

This is one of the most essential apps on my phone. I don’t know why I trust Google with my 2FA codes (I don’t really) but this is a very useful and important app. It is pretty basic as far as apps go, but it works for the intended purpose.

They just added the ability to transfer 2FA codes when upgrading to a new phone. They released this feature less than a month after the second wave of new iPhones came out… so less than a month ago I did the transfer manually, turning 2FA off and back on for my new phone across a dozen services. Some were easy to transfer, others were the opposite. It took over an hour. Their timing with this feature is awful, but at least it’s here now I suppose.

by Cmy3y

I lost a lot when my phone died. So I understand the frustration with not being able to backup, and also understand why they chose not to have this option. But this could be safely and easily solved by having a recovery option linked to a phone number. Essentially the same way that emails can have a backup email, why not a backup 2FA?

They could do much better allowing for sharing between devises. This is important for teams or even just people more than one device like phone and a tablet.

Finally most don’t need this, but some do. So why not have an option for some organization?

I give it 4 stars because it does work, and it is a great solution over text massage 2FA which can be very problematic when traveling between countries.

by MySaviorLives21

Easy to use. Functional without significant software issues. GoogleAuthenticator would also be very handy to have a widget which was present when I swiped left on my iPhone so that I would not have to click into GoogleAuthenticator every time as my current organization requires two factor authentication every time I login.

by Saidefith

Auths are in processing instead providing solutions to keep them selves Paid..see how many times my phones have worked and not been paid IROBOT needs better pictures from their alliances we hear you mom key missing from no down low...🎧🎶💔💃💯😇👩‍💻👰🤶🤦🤷💇‍♂️👯‍♀️ ns to keep them selves Paid..see how many times my ph..see this typed row that's getting busted for not allowing me the select all button to c if I made add A not f not that vicious Santa Clara phone see my towers roll my song your a palm reader who can't get paid...check please..Denise is Toni and thus is give me a C A R R CRASVREPIRTS NEED AN SLIEN MÄDCHEN

by JayBliz01

There are many reviews complaining that deleting
GoogleAuthenticator , migrating to a new device, etc... lost
access to their 2-factor auth codes. This is exactly
what you want from a security perspective! That is
precisely why I rated GoogleAuthenticator with 5 stars. Very
few 2-factor apps do not backup to the cloud and
this is one of them. No question that cloud backup
is extremely convenient but there is often a trade-
off between convenience and security and this is a
great example of that. GoogleAuthenticator is for those who
choose a bit of extra security (codes only stored
on the device) over the convenience of having
their codes stored both on the device and in the

by Philiaagape

(UPDATE: it’s working again after app update! GoogleAuthenticator Store told me there was no update available when I first checked, but now 10 min later there is an update. Problem was Apple, not Google.)

I have loved google Authenticator for my 2fa needs: SSH verification and websites. But now GoogleAuthenticator will not start. I’ve rebooted my phone and checked GoogleAuthenticator Store for updates but I’m running version 3.1.0 of GoogleAuthenticator already.

by Review Guy 467

I just wanted to say Thank you for finally putting a export accounts option to move from device to device cause this was always my more preferred app but due to lack of exporting accounts couldn’t take the risk so I’ve been using the Microsoft version. I did like how there was a Apple Watch version although It was never really that useful anyway. But I hope maybe there might be a Apple Watch version of this someday if not that’s fine then. Please always keep improving GoogleAuthenticator.

by Hitori_Samishiku

I’ve never encountered such a poorly design application... theoretically, it seems cool, but in practice, it’s horrendous. I tried logging into my Nintendo account and for some reason needed this. So I got it, set it up for both my emails (this took forever, was annoying, and I got 2 because I couldn’t remember which it was... but I was sure it was one of them) and then tried entering it... nothing. Tried back up codes. Nothing. I went into the account and reset it, which was a pain, and tried again. Nothing. I tried multiple times of both types of codes and literally zip. I gave up. I wish that were the end of it. For some reason, all my accounts on all devices are signed out! It may be because I deleted some devices that said multiple weeks of inactivity, but the effected apps have been Google Photos and mail—applications they have control over and should notice if I log into it on one device or another continuously. Now, I’m stuck redownloading however many thousands of pictures and resigning into accounts. Hooray.

by Disenfranchised Driver

Ive been using Google’s Authenticator for a while with no problem to access my exchange website account. Then I had to get my phone restored. Little did I know my saved codes were also gone too. Now I’m trying to log into my exchange site account, but lo and behold my codes don’t show in the authenticator. At first I was extremely furious at the exchange site for having this cost of massive inconvenience for the sake of security. Then I realized it’s probably GoogleAuthenticator that should’ve warned us ahead of time that after a factory reset, all our codes will be gone. For the laymen user, we don’t have the time to read the fine print and learn about stuff like this, and if it’s very important it should be easily told to us. So I’m locked out of my Account for days, but hopefully my account won’t be gone forever. Never trusting GoogleAuthenticator again, and may try out that Authy app to see if it’s any better. Very frustrating...

by Samrecord

Authy is sooooo much easier to use.

GoogleAuthenticator used to be easier to transfer to new devices and setup in 2012. Sometime since then and now (2/1/17), it's become incredibly complicated to set up and use.

After app updates on my iPhone I had to re-setup some of my google accounts that required this Authenticator.

My apps obviously required me to use Authenticator. But then my Authenticator also required me to use my google accounts! A bit frustrating but workable, right? Just log into my google account sign in and security settings on my laptop to setup my Authenticator first, right?

WRONG.

It's stupidly difficult to navigate through the labyrinthine security settings pages in google to find the passcodes or the QR image that I need to setup Authenticator on my phone. I couldn't find it.

I even googled on how to find it and couldn't find the answers. This is multiple layers of Google fail.

So I just gave up. Switched off 2-factor sign in and deleted this useless app, much to my disappointment and security downsides.

Google really needs to simplify all the crazy complexity and cognitive bloat they are creating in their ecosystem of stuff. Their "material" UI design looks nice superficially but is in fact very poor UX - It's just all labyrinthine. Nothing is "obvious" and intuitive.

by DSMART2003

I have GoogleAuthenticator on another iphone and it’s setup to backup via iCloud and when I do a restore on the new iPhone, GoogleAuthenticator has no accounts listed, so I have to resetup accounts backup but the issue is I’m going have to go through the resetup because I use GoogleAuthenticator on an iphone and ipad, so that they have the same codes and lists available on both devices I need to setup on both iPhone and ipad at the same time, since I don’t have my ipad with me currently with me right now, I have to do redo more then once, tho, and I have alot of accounts listed with GoogleAuthenticator, I wish GoogleAuthenticator would allow to add device use with accounts with 2-step verification without having to turn off and/or changing the code(s) of accounts for other devices.

So GoogleAuthenticator developer might need to add a backup option to be used by a google account, so a restore can be done and won’t lose access to accounts to have been setup!!!

PS:
I don’t know why iCloud didn’t restore GoogleAuthenticator with all accounts listed.

What a pain!

😡😤😭

by Adriankeith

Had a few services connected to Google Authenticator and one day when I went back to use it, it was like I had never used it before. It asked me to log in and set up new 2FA codes. As you can imagine, resolution to gain access to my accounts tied with authenticator took forever as all of those services wanted emails with proof that I owned those accounts.

It doesn’t inspire confidence when your account can just disappear out of nowhere. This is probably a one off for GAuth but it was enough to turn me away and have me look at Authy just now.

Thanks but no thanks. TouchID still lacking makes this feel like any other Google product that eventually falls off and loses support. If you’re concerned with your security and require a solid 2FA app, look elsewhere.

by Bubblies1235577

This review is based solely on the multiple times I've had issues with them updating GoogleAuthenticator and then you lose all codes you use to access accounts. You then can't reach any support personnel to resolve the situation. They had this same issue in the past and requested not to update to that specific version till they fixed it. Yet they continue to have this issue on every update. I've had multiple codes generated and still can't get into some accounts due to them resetting GoogleAuthenticator every time. Even with a phone backup they're gone. They refuse to fix the issue this time and yet Authy provides better service just not enough support with other sites.

by Alantingle

The Google Authenticator app will not let me delete old entries. I click on the pencil icon to edit. I then try to press the circle to select the entry and nothing. It is my understanding that the circle should turn red to indicate selection, then it will allow deletion. Editing will let me change the order of the entries, but that is all. Force quitting GoogleAuthenticator doesn’t help. Deleting and reinstalling GoogleAuthenticator on the iPhone doesn’t not help. The entries reappear when GoogleAuthenticator is downloaded and reinstalled. So much for the statement,
“Deleting GoogleAuthenticator will also delete its data.” It makes you wonder where these entries are being stored and how secure they really are, wherever they happen to be located.

by Metl4evr

Yeah... so if you get a new phone you gotta setup all your authentication account all over again. I had twenty some odd accounts. Some of which involve cryptocurrency. Do you have ANY IDEA what’s involved in recovering those kinds of accounts? It can take weeks and involve a LOT of hassle. I would have LOVED TO KNOW that these would not transfer to a new phone along with Google Authenticator. So now, I’ll be moving over to Authy. I mean... this is absurd. If you’re not going to be able to retain your accounts FINE... but at LEAST make us aware. And no, NOT in the license agreement section that no one EVER READS. Seriously... F YOU GA. Oh, and by the way, I’ll be sure and let EVERYONE I KNOW to go ahead and move over to Authy. Just... wow.

by Inetsuperman

I normally don’t write reviews but since I use GoogleAuthenticator a lot for MFA it is not useful for multiple AWS accounts because you can’t change the name of an entry after scanning the barcode... you are stuck with the name the barcode gives you and if that account is AWS then it’s extra difficult. When you have several AWS entries where the only distinguishing thing is a 10-14 digit number that is not visible on the web login screen... once you set up multiple accounts you’re kinda stuck trying all of the TOTP numbers until one works because the names are not distinguishable and not editable upon creation.

A simple edit to the account name is all I ask for. If that gets added I’ll change my rating. For now, it causes me enough extra frustration that I’m spending valuable time writing this.

by Philly5648887

I recently had to replace my phone on two separate occasions and was surprised to find the google Authenticator app data was not restored leaving me to scramble to get into the various accounts I secured with MFA. Be sure to securely save your codes outside GoogleAuthenticator (IE: 1Password, dashlane) so you don’t lock yourself out of your important accounts.

Secondly, Google is a major advocate for security, and it is very surprising that the Google Authenticator app doesn’t allow you to secure access to GoogleAuthenticator in any form ( IE: pin, Touch ID, password).

For the aforementioned reasons, I don’t recommend GoogleAuthenticator and have migrated my codes to Microsoft’s Authenticator app which allows the use of TouchID and seems to have some iCloud support.

by 101ToonLink

The Google Authenticator app is a convenient app to use for Two-Factor-Authentication. (2FA) However, there is still some work to be done to GoogleAuthenticator . First of all, we need biometric authentication before you can open GoogleAuthenticator so that if you leave your device unlocked, someone can very easily access the 2FA codes without much trouble. As someone else pointed out, this is a really big security hole that needs to be dealt with. But other than this, it’s a pretty good and simple little app. Just needs a bit more security put in.

by Jollyturns

How do I remove an entry?!! The edit button at the top right shows me a selectable list, but none of the items in the list can be selected. This is on iOS 13.1.1.

It looks like a typical Google app. The original developers likely went to another team, since there no glory in working on an app after it’s been released. If you want to be promoted you have to show leadership, which is not in maintaining an existing app.

It’s really sad, since a lot of people rely on this little app to secure their accounts. Including people that work at Google!

by Markwoh

I had this problem on an earlier version of GoogleAuthenticator. You get a new phone, it is back to square one. There is no restore or saving of codes. It is a great app other than the fact that it becomes a nightmare if you get a new phone or have to restore your phone. They need to incorporate some kind of save system so you don't have to painstakingly disable and reenable every single 2 step verification you had previously.

by Dig48109

New iPhoneX unlocked. Backed up my older phone on iTunes and then started the process of restoring the data to the new phone. Google Authenticator. GoogleAuthenticator refused to install.

Warning error [ Unable To Install “Google Authenticator GA” . GoogleAuthenticator is no longer available in GoogleAuthenticator Store”.

This is actually not true, GoogleAuthenticator is still available in GoogleAuthenticator Store.

- Ran the latest iOS11.2.2 on the iPhoneX. I wiped the iPhoneX to a factory reset
- Ran all app updates on the iPhone6S for all apps.
- Ran the latest iOS11.2.2 on the iPhone6S
- Did a backup on iTunes twice for iPhone6S
- Then did a restore on the iPhoneX .

Same problem not able to use “GA”after all that. If I delete “GA” on my iPhoneX and reinstall from the cloud on new phone it opens, but lost all my 2FA sites. This is awful. This is essential for my work security and personal banking.

Feature request. Please allow groups so I can sort out 2FA sites by personal , work, banking. Using GA so often that the list becomes too long

by I Can't Think Ofa Nickname

Most recent reviews suggest that GoogleAuthenticator is bugged, though the latest patch must have covered everything, or it’s something out of Google’s controls. As long as you read directions and don’t work ahead of yourself, using the Google Authenticator with whatever it is you are using it for is one of the easiest and safest ways to log in to almost any network or software. 5 stars because there is nothing wrong with it.