Microsoft Authenticator logo

Microsoft Authenticator for Android

By Microsoft Free Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

shelbybrown Aug 24, 2016

Microsoft Authenticator is a mobile app for two-step verification that replaces the older Microsoft Account app. Like Google Authenticator, the ideal way to add accounts to the app is by scanning QR codes with your mobile device's camera.

Pros

Not limited to Microsoft: While the old Microsoft Account app could only be used with your actual Microsoft user account, Microsoft Authenticator can be used with any account that offers a QR code or a secret key -- including Google.

Easy expiration view: The new app adds a numerical timer, so you know exactly how much time you have before your current authentication code expires and a new one is generated. Google Authenticator does not have this feature.

Clearer labeling: The old app didn't make it clear that you could use it to authenticate multiple Microsoft accounts. When you enter the Add Account screen in Microsoft Authenticator, you get one option labeled Personal Account and another labeled Work or School Account. This app gives all accounts a label, whereas Google Authenticator sometimes just lists an account according to the user name. Microsoft Authenticator's entries are also listed alphabetically for easier navigation, while Google's app appears to list entries according to how recently they were added.

Cons

Quick confirmation is limited to your Microsoft account: When you log in to a Microsoft account that is protected by this app's authentication, you will get a notification on your mobile device, and you can just tap to confirm or deny the login request. This is much handier than typing in a code, but unfortunately you cannot do the confirm/deny tap with non-Microsoft accounts; you must manually enter a code.

Bottom Line

Microsoft Authenticator's numerical timer and sensible entry organization makes it more pleasant to use than the old app, and it can now be used for non-Microsoft accounts. These factors give it an edge over Google Authenticator, though some Android users may not be comfortable with relying on a Microsoft product for account security.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 6.3.7

New app lock feature has been released! To protect your codes, you can require authentication each time the app is opened.

General

Release November 11, 2018
Date Added November 11, 2018
Version 6.3.7

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Android
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 21,775
Downloads Last Week 5
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Developer's Description

Sign in is easy, convenient, and secure when you use Microsoft Authenticator. Use your phone, not your password, to log into your Microsoft account. You simply have to enter your username, then approve the notification sent to your phone. Your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN will provide a second layer of security in this two step verification process. After, you'll have access to all your Microsoft products and services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Office, and more.

Microsoft Authenticator also supports multi factor authentication for work, school, and non-Microsoft accounts. The app provides a second layer of security after your password. When logging in, you'll enter your password, and then you'll be asked for an additional way to prove it's really you. Either approve the notification sent to the Microsoft Authenticator, or enter the verification code generated by the app.

Sometimes your work or school might ask you to install the Microsoft Authenticator when accessing certain files, emails, or apps. You will need to register your device to your organization through the app and add your work or school account. Microsoft Authenticator also supports cert-based authentication by issuing a certificate on your device. This will let your organization know that the sign-in request is coming from a trusted device and help you seamlessly and securely access additional Microsoft apps and services without needing to log into each. Because Microsoft Authenticator supports single sign-on, once you have proven your identity once, you will not need to log in again to other Microsoft apps on your device.

Enroll in our beta program! Follow this link for an early preview of our latest updates: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.azure.authenticator

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