On, 25th April 2023, Google is adding sync capabilities with Google Authenticator and also got a new icon on Android and iOS to its 2FA (two-factor authentication) code app, after a long time. The refurbishment of the app will make one-time codes more durable by storing them safely in users’ Google Accounts.
Google is adding sync capabilities with Google Authenticator
In order to add more ‘ability to safely backup your one-time codes (also known as one-time passwords or OTPs) to your Google Account’ Google adds specifically updates the app with certain changes. Users will be better protected from the lockout and services can rely on users retaining access, increasing both convenience and security after these changes.
This has been a “major piece of feedback,” especially when setting up new or lost devices: “Since one-time codes in Authenticator were only stored on a single device, a loss of that device meant that users lost their ability to sign in to any service on which they’d set up 2FA using Authenticator.”
After this update, you can continue to use Authenticator without Google Account/sync capabilities. There are also some tweaks to the app design, but it’s not Material 3 yet on Android. There will be a new icon to see you in the four Google colors with triangles making up an asterisk symbol. It replaces the old circular icon with a ‘G’ that was meant to evoke a vault.
This update joins the Google Password Manager built-in to Android and Chrome, which has gotten more prominent visibility, as well as the company’s work on passkeys to eventually replace usernames and passwords. Google Authenticator’s sync update and new logo are still rolling out on Android (version 6.0) and iOS (version 4.0, App Store changelog below).
After installing the new version, there will be a set-up process.
- Cloud syncing: Your Authenticator codes can now be synced to your Google Account and across your devices, so you can always access them even if you lose your phone.
- New icons and illustrations: The app has been updated with new icons and illustrations that are more modern and user-friendly
- Improved UX and visuals: We’ve made the app easier to use and more visually appealing
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