Google Authenticator
UtilitiesAnalysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
Google Authenticator is an application designed to provide an additional layer of security for online accounts by generating verification codes. It suits individuals seeking to bolster their account protection with a two-step verification method that can function even without an internet connection. The application streamlines the process of managing multiple authentication tokens.
What is Google Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is a mobile application that generates time-based or counter-based verification codes for two-step verification. This process adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code from the application in addition to a password when accessing online accounts. The application's codes can be generated even when a device lacks a network or cellular connection.
The application is published by Google. On Google Play, it is listed under the developer name Google LLC, while on the App Store, it is listed simply as Google. It is categorized as a 'Tools' application on Google Play and a 'Utilities' application on the App Store.
The application is available for Android devices through Google Play and for iOS devices through the App Store. The Google Play listing indicates a rating of 3.8 from 657.2K ratings, with 5M downloads in the last month. The App Store listing shows a rating of 4.9 from 1.2M ratings. The Google Play version was updated on 2026-03-27 and released on 2012-03-21, while the App Store version, 5.1.0, was updated on 2026-10-14 and released on 2010-09-20, requiring a minimum iOS version of 17.0 and having a size of 40 MB.
Is this the real Google Authenticator app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (Google LLC), and the developer website support.google.com matches the publisher.
- Established since 2010Listed since Sep 20, 2010, 100,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | Google LLC |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | com.google.android.apps.authenticator2 |
| iOS bundle ID | com.google.Authenticator |
| On the stores since | Sep 20, 2010 |
| Installs on Google Play | 100,000,000+ |
| Developer website | support.google.com |
| Content rating | Google Play: Everyone / App Store: 4+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- It provides an extra verification step for online accounts, requiring a code in addition to a password.
- Verification codes can be generated by the application on a phone even without a network or cellular connection.
- Users can synchronize Authenticator codes to their Google Account and across their devices for continuous access.
- Accounts can be set up automatically using a QR code, aiding in quick and correct configuration.
- The application supports the management of multiple accounts within a single interface.
- It offers support for both time-based and counter-based code generation methods.
- Accounts can be transferred between devices conveniently with a QR code.
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Privacy and permissions
The Google Play listing indicates that the application requires access to the 'Camera' permission group. This permission is specified as necessary to add accounts by scanning QR codes. The Google Play listing does not provide further details on other data collection or privacy practices beyond this permission requirement.
The App Store listing does not explicitly detail specific permissions required by the application, nor does it provide information regarding data collection or privacy policies. Users are encouraged to review the developer's privacy information linked from the store pages for comprehensive details.
Google publishes its privacy policy at www.google.com.
Google Authenticator permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 1 permission group. Google Play also lists 10 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is fewer than most productivity & email apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 7).
- CameraCan take photos and record video
The App Store privacy label lists these data types:
- Linked to you: Location, Contact Info, Contacts, User Content, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics, Other Data
- Not linked to you: Diagnostics
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Google Authenticator at a glance
| Developer | |
|---|---|
| Category | Utilities |
| Rating on App Store | 4.9 out of 5 (1.2M ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 3.9 out of 5 (686K ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 4+ |
Pricing
Google Authenticator is available at no cost on both Google Play and the App Store. The Google Play listing states the price as 0, and the App Store listing specifies the price as 'Free'.
The store listings do not indicate the presence of any in-app purchases or subscription models associated with the application.
Google Authenticator compared with similar apps
| App | Rating | Installs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Google Authenticator | 4.9 | – | Free |
 Canva | 4.8 | 500M+ | Free |
 Zoom Workplace | 4.1 | 1B+ | Free |
 Yahoo Mail | 4.2 | 100M+ | Free |
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How to get Google Authenticator safely
To acquire Google Authenticator safely, individuals should only obtain it from reputable sources, such as Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices. It is important to verify that the application is published by the developer named Google LLC on Google Play or Google on the App Store.
Avoiding unofficial distribution channels, third-party app stores, or modified versions of the application is advised to ensure the integrity and security of the installation. Before completing the installation, reviewing the permissions requested by the application, such as Camera access on Android, is a recommended practice.
How to install Google Authenticator
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Google Authenticator, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Google LLC.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for Google Authenticator, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Google.
- Make sure your device has iOS 17.0 or later and about 38 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
Google Authenticator version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 5.1.0 |
| Last updated | Jul 21, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 |
| First released | Mar 21, 2012 | Sep 20, 2010 |
| Package name | com.google.android.apps.authenticator2 | – |
| Bundle ID | – | com.google.Authenticator |
| Requires | – | iOS 17.0 or later |
| Download size | – | 38 MB |
| Content rating | Everyone | 4+ |
| In-app purchases | No | – |
| Contains ads | No | – |
| Languages | – | 31 (including English) |
| Developer | Google LLC |
Who Google Authenticator is for
This application is suitable for individuals who wish to strengthen the security of their online accounts by implementing two-step verification. It is particularly beneficial for those who access various online services and want a centralized method for generating verification codes.
Users who require the ability to generate authentication codes even when offline will find the application's functionality valuable. It also caters to those managing multiple online accounts, providing a streamlined experience for accessing different services that support two-step verification.
Pros
- Adds an essential layer of security to online accounts.
- Operates offline, generating codes without requiring an internet connection.
- Allows synchronization of codes across multiple devices through a Google Account.
- Simplifies account setup and transfer processes using QR codes.
- Supports the management of a variety of accounts from a single application.
Cons
- Requires a Google Account to utilize the code synchronization feature.
- The App Store listing does not provide detailed information about specific permissions beyond its core functionality.
- The application's utility is contingent on online services that support two-step verification.
- The Google Play rating of 3.8 is notably lower than the App Store rating of 4.9.
Google Authenticator: frequently asked questions
Is Google Authenticator available at no cost?
Yes, Google Authenticator is available at no cost on both Google Play and the App Store.
On which devices can Google Authenticator be used?
Google Authenticator is available on Android devices via Google Play and on iOS devices via the App Store.
Is it necessary to have an internet connection to generate codes?
No, the application can generate verification codes even without a network or cellular connection.
Who is the developer of Google Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is developed by Google, listed as Google LLC on Google Play and Google on the App Store.
Can multiple online accounts be managed with this application?
Yes, the application supports the management of multiple accounts for two-step verification.
What is the primary function of Google Authenticator?
Its primary function is to add an extra layer of security to online accounts by generating codes for a second step of verification.
Google Authenticator
- Category
- Utilities
- Version
- 5.1.0
Download
Looking for the Google Authenticator website or sign-in? Go to support.google.com →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
Google Authenticator ratings breakdown
Google Play 3.9 average from 685,742 ratings
- 560%
- 410%
- 37%
- 23%
- 120%
App Store 4.9 average from 1,199,395 ratings
- 593%
- 44%
- 31%
- 20%
- 12%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 14, 2026.
