Google Authenticator, the app that gives your accounts extra security by generating timed codes for two-factor authentication, will now be able to store one-time passwords on your Google account. In a blog post on Monday, the tech giant said the feature is available on both iOS and Android, but it may take some time to roll out to all devices.
Google said it’s implementing this feature after hearing from people about the intricacies of losing a device with the Authenticator app installed. If you can’t log into your Gmail account because your authenticated phone has been stolen, trying to gain access becomes a huge hassle. To correct this, Google Authenticator now stores one-time passwords on a person’s Google Account.
Google said that this change not only better protects people from being locked out, but also increases convenience and security. The company has not detailed how this increases security.
Google is still pushing people towards a passwordless future. The search giant, along with Apple and Microsoft, has joined together in the FIDO Alliance, which stands for Rapid Identity Online. The idea is to have websites forgo passwords entirely and allow people to log in with a fingerprint, face scan or phone. Because of the vulnerabilities that weak passwords pose against the attack of hacking attempts, getting rid of passwords can be key in combating bad actors. Until then, it will take some time to shift to a passwordless future, and millions of people will still need to rely on authentication apps like Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator. Given that Microsoft Authenticator has already had cloud backups on Android since 2019, Google is late to the game.
Google did not respond to a request for additional comment.
How to enable one-time password synchronization
- Update the Google Authenticator app.
- Follow the instructions to sign in to Google.
- Enable sync.