Google, Microsoft or Authy: choosing an authenticator

Start with where you sign in

Several familiar authenticators can show a code on your phone. The differences become more noticeable when you work on a computer, replace a phone, or need a particular tool for a work account.

Here is how Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, and Authenticator Cloud fit those routines. Start with the situation you run into most often.

Google Authenticator: choose sync or local use

Google Authenticator supports Google-account sync as well as local use without signing in. If you still have the old phone, you can also transfer entries manually. The official guide explains these options.

If you are happy getting codes from your phone, learn its sync and transfer routine first. If you often sign in on a computer, compare how easily you can get, copy, and fill codes in a browser.

Microsoft Authenticator: check work-account recovery

Microsoft Authenticator combines ordinary codes with work and school verification. Backup restoration requires the same device platform: an iOS backup cannot be restored directly on Android. Work and school accounts need another sign-in after their names are restored. See the official backup guide for details.

Keep Microsoft Authenticator where your organization requires approval notifications or passwordless sign-in. For personal websites using rotating codes, choose around the devices and routine you prefer.

Authy: plan a new desktop routine

Authy Desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux ended on March 19, 2024. This was separate from the mobile apps. If you relied on the desktop app, you will need another way to get codes on your computer. See the official announcement.

Authy does not provide an account export feature. Keep the mobile app available while re-enrolling accounts through each website's security settings, one at a time. Its migration guide explains the process.

Authenticator Cloud: codes on your phone and in your browser

If you often sign into websites on a computer, Authenticator Cloud keeps the code step in your browser. Your phone is ready when you are away from your desk.

• Add and manage local entries and copy codes for free. Start with one device.
• Use the desktop extension to scan setup QR codes and copy or fill codes on supported pages.
• With Pro, sign into the same account in the app and extension and complete a sync to share your list.
• Retrieve previously synced records by signing in after replacing a phone or reinstalling a computer.

Try one familiar account first

If you mostly use a phone, focus on mobile access and phone transfers. If you work at a computer, try finding, copying, and filling a code in the browser. For work accounts, start with your organization's sign-in requirements.

When switching tools, move one familiar account and complete a normal login before continuing with the rest. Clear the old list once the new routine works for you.