What to know
- Google has released version 7.0 of its Authenticator app with a complete Material You redesign and enhanced privacy features for Android users.
- The update introduces a new search function with a pill-shaped bar, improved QR code scanning with flash option, and a privacy screen that locks the app using your device’s security.
- While iOS users received these features months ago, Android users can now access the update through the Google Play Store.
Google has released an update to its two-factor authentication app, introducing version 7.0 for Android. This is the first major update in over a year and aligns the app with its iOS version.
The update features a Material You 3 design, which includes a pill-shaped search bar at the top of the screen. This search bar allows users to find specific accounts, access the profile icon for account switching, and use the hamburger menu, combining these functions in a single element.
- Download from Play Store
Security gets a boost with the new Privacy Screen feature. You can now lock the app behind your device’s security measures – whether that’s your fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. You get to choose how quickly this lock engages, from immediately after leaving the app to a 10-minute grace period.
The QR code scanner has improvements too. Google added a practical flash option for scanning in low-light conditions and made the privacy policy clear – no image data leaves your device, only the scan results. The floating action button for adding new accounts has also been redesigned from a circle to a rounded square, though it keeps its distinctive four-color plus sign.
The update is currently rolling out through the Google Play Store, bringing Android users the experience they’ve been waiting for. While it may have taken longer than the iOS version to arrive, the redesign and enhanced security features make it worth the wait.
