# Google Authenticator

> Enable 2-step verification to protect your account from hijacking.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.apps.authenticator2](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.apps.authenticator2)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.google.android.apps.authenticator2`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Google LLC
- **Category:** TOOLS
- **Downloads:** 332,840,944
- **Rating:** 3.85 / 5 (680,142 ratings)
- **Version:** 7.2
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-21
- **First published:** 2012-03-21
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 7.57 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-15
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2)
- **Website:** [https://support.google.com/accounts/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1066447](https://support.google.com/accounts/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1066447)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.google.com/policies/privacy](http://www.google.com/policies/privacy)

## Description

Google Authenticator provides an essential extra layer of security by enabling two-step verification for your online accounts. Beyond just a password, you'll need to enter a unique code generated by the app on your phone each time you sign in, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Key features include offline code generation, synchronization of auth codes across devices via your Google Account, easy setup through QR codes, support for multiple accounts, and flexible code generation methods (time-based and counter-based). Additionally, transferring accounts to new devices is seamless with QR code transfers. To utilize it with your Google account, simply activate 2-Step Verification at http://www.google.com/2step. Note: The app requires camera access to scan QR codes during setup.

## Rankings

- #444 — Overall
- #14 — Tools (Free)
- #177 — Application (Free)
- #74 — Top app in Germany
- #81 — Top app in France
- #92 — Top app in United Kingdom

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.GET_PACKAGE_SIZE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES`

## Review summary

Reviews are mixed. Many users describe Google Authenticator as a good or very good app and useful for authentication, with fast, reliable performance and a sense of security. However, several reviews highlight a painful setup with too many steps and a generally poor user experience. A subset raises privacy concerns about data access. Overall, the app is valued for 2FA, but setup friction and usability complaints are common themes.

### Pros

- Overall positive app; frequently labeled as good or very good
- Useful for authentication (2FA)
- Fast and reliable performance
- Perceived secure by users

### Cons

- Difficult setup / too many steps
- Very poor user experience / negative usability
- Privacy concerns about data access

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Universal Authenticator App](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.nicademia.universal.google.authenticator) — 98 users
- [Authenticator App](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.authenticator.twofactor.authentication.otp) — 57,666 users
- [Authenticator App - 2FA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/jay.bhure.authenticator.safe.twostapverification.ighytrd) — 407 users
- [Authenticator App · 2FA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ai.firstorder.auth) — 377,510 users, 4.62 / 5
- [Authenticator App: 2FA & MFA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.app.password.authenticator.twofactor) — 53 users
- [Ninshō Authenticator](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.wycliffe.mauth) — 6 users
- [Authenticator App - 2FA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.sunahan.authenticatorapp) — 920 users
- [Authenticator App - 2FA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.authenticator.otp.password) — 187,989 users, 4.59 / 5
- [Phone Authenticator - 2FA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.authenticator.twofactor.authentication) — 194,932 users
- [Authenticator App - Secure 2FA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.aisolution.authenticator.codes2fa) — 16,551 users
- [2FA Authenticator: Secure Key](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.appserras.twofaauthenticator) — 36 users
- [Authenticator App: 2FA/MFA/OTP](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ai.firstorder.authenticator) — 68,896 users, 4.39 / 5

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.apps.authenticator2)