Google has rolled out an update for its two-factor authentication (2FA) app, Google Authenticator, catering to both iOS and Android users. This new version introduces a feature that allows users to back up their one-time passwords (OTPs) to their Google accounts. With this enhancement, shifting OTPs to a different device during transitions becomes a simpler task.
The details of the update were shared by Google through a post on the Google Security blog. Now, Android users can access their 2FA codes across any device signed in with the same Google account, breaking prior limitations where OTPs were confined to a single device.
According to the company, this latest upgrade will facilitate access to OTPs on devices other than the primary one. Previously, one-time codes stored within the Authenticator app were accessible only on a single device, creating potential complications for users if their primary device became lost, stolen, or damaged.
The updated features aim to streamline the use of Google Authenticator 2FA across multiple devices. Users need to download and install the latest version of the app and follow on-screen prompts to begin securely syncing their OTPs with their Google accounts.
Launched in 2010, the Google Authenticator app serves as a more secure alternative to SMS-based passcodes, which have proven to be less reliable. The app generates 2FA codes for various Google services, presenting users with unique codes ranging from six to eight digits that are essential for logging into their accounts.
