Microsoft Authenticator
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Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
The Microsoft Authenticator app offers a streamlined approach to enhancing online account security through multi-factor authentication and passwordless sign-in. It serves as a verification method for both Microsoft and a variety of third-party services, making it suitable for individuals and organizations aiming to bolster their digital defenses against unauthorized access.
What is Microsoft Authenticator?
The Microsoft Authenticator is an application developed by Microsoft Corporation. It is designed to provide users with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and passwordless options for signing into their various online accounts. The app is currently available for download on Google Play.
Its primary function is to add an extra layer of security beyond just a password. Users can manage their Microsoft personal, work, or school accounts within the application, alongside numerous non-Microsoft accounts. This centralizes the authentication process for multiple services.
Latest on Microsoft Authenticator
Is this the real Microsoft Authenticator app?
- Established since 2015Listed since Jan 13, 2015, 100,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | Microsoft Corporation |
|---|---|
| Android package name | com.azure.authenticator |
| On the stores since | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Installs on Google Play | 100,000,000+ |
| Developer website | msdn.microsoft.com |
| Content rating | Google Play: Everyone |
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
- Provides multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) to add a second layer of security during sign-in.
- Generates time-based one-time passwords (OTP codes) that refresh every 30 seconds, ensuring codes are not reused.
- Supports passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts, allowing users to verify their identity via phone approval, fingerprint, face ID, or a PIN.
- Facilitates the addition of multiple accounts, including major non-Microsoft services such as Facebook, Amazon, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn, and GitHub.
- Offers single sign-on functionality for Microsoft products and services, meaning users do not need to sign in again to other Microsoft apps on their device once identity is verified.
- Enables cert-based authentication by issuing a certificate on the device, which helps organizations recognize trusted devices for seamless access.
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Privacy and permissions
The Microsoft Authenticator app requests certain optional access permissions from the user. These include Identity, Location, and Camera. According to the developer, all these permissions require explicit user consent. The Location permission is utilized only if an organization's policy mandates knowing a user's location before granting access to specific resources. The Camera permission is employed to scan QR codes, particularly when adding new work, school, or non-Microsoft accounts to the app. Users can choose not to grant these optional permissions and still use the app for services that do not require them. The Google Play listing also mentions 'Read the contents of your storage' as an optional access permission, collected solely when a user reports a technical problem through the app's settings, helping to diagnose the issue.
Microsoft Corporation publishes its privacy policy at go.microsoft.com.
Microsoft Authenticator permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 3 permission groups. Google Play also lists 11 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
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Microsoft Authenticator at a glance
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
|---|---|
| Category | Business |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.6 out of 5 (2.8M ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | Everyone |
What changed in the latest Microsoft Authenticator version
Pricing
The Microsoft Authenticator app is listed on Google Play with a price of 0. This indicates that the application can be acquired without any direct cost to the user. The Google Play listing does not indicate the presence of any in-app purchases.
Microsoft Authenticator compared with similar apps
| App | Rating | Installs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Authenticator | 4.6 | – | Free |
 Google Play Store | – | – | Free |
 MapQuest | 4.4 | 10M+ | Free |
 Speedtest by Ookla | 4.6 | 100M+ | Free |
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How to get Microsoft Authenticator safely
To acquire the Microsoft Authenticator app safely, users are advised to download it exclusively from the Google Play listing. It is crucial to verify that the developer is "Microsoft Corporation" to ensure the authenticity of the application. Obtaining the app from unofficial sources, such as third-party websites offering APK files or modified versions, carries risks including potential security vulnerabilities or malware. Prior to installation, users should review the permissions the app requests to understand its access to device functions and data.
How to install Microsoft Authenticator
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Microsoft Authenticator, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Microsoft Corporation.
- Check that your device meets the listing's requirement: Android 8.0 and up.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
Microsoft Authenticator version and app details
| Google Play | |
|---|---|
| Last updated | Sep 21, 2026 |
| First released | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Package name | com.azure.authenticator |
| Requires | Android 8.0 and up |
| Content rating | Everyone |
| In-app purchases | No |
| Contains ads | No |
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
Who Microsoft Authenticator is for
The Microsoft Authenticator is suitable for individuals who wish to enhance the security of their various online accounts. This includes users of Microsoft services who want to utilize passwordless sign-in or two-factor authentication, as well as those with accounts on popular platforms like Facebook, Amazon, or Google who seek to add an extra layer of protection.
Furthermore, the app is designed for employees and students whose organizations or educational institutions mandate its use for accessing specific organizational resources, such as files, emails, or applications. It helps these users comply with organizational security policies and provides a streamlined way to access work or school accounts. The app is not categorized for a kids audience.
Microsoft Authenticator for kids and families
Pros
- Significantly boosts account security through multi-factor authentication and passwordless options.
- Compatible with a wide range of accounts, including both Microsoft and popular non-Microsoft services.
- Generates one-time passwords that function offline and are designed not to impact device battery life.
- Provides a convenient single sign-on experience for users of multiple Microsoft applications.
- Available at no cost, according to the Google Play listing.
Cons
- Requires user consent for optional permissions like Location, which might be necessary for organizational policies.
- The app's core functionality is authentication, not comprehensive password management.
- Available only on Google Play, as indicated by the developer's listing.
- Some features are tied to organizational requirements, potentially affecting user experience based on employer or school policies.
Microsoft Authenticator: frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Authenticator free to use?
Yes, the Google Play listing indicates that the app is available at no cost.
On which platforms is Microsoft Authenticator available?
The app is available on Google Play, according to the developer's listing.
Who developed the Microsoft Authenticator app?
Microsoft Corporation is the developer of the Microsoft Authenticator app.
How does multi-factor authentication work with this app?
With multi-factor authentication, after entering a password, users receive a notification to approve the sign-in or enter a one-time password generated by the app, adding an extra verification step.
Is an internet connection needed for the one-time password feature?
No, the one-time passwords (OTP codes) generated by the app do not require a network connection to function.
Can non-Microsoft accounts be added to the app?
Yes, the app supports adding various non-Microsoft accounts, including those from Facebook, Amazon, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn, and GitHub.
Microsoft Authenticator
- Category
- Business
- Version
- Varies with device
Download
Looking for the Microsoft Authenticator website or sign-in? Go to msdn.microsoft.com →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
Microsoft Authenticator ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.6 average from 2,827,282 ratings
- 579%
- 413%
- 33%
- 21%
- 14%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 13, 2026.
