Google Authenticator is a free security app that can protect your accounts against password theft. It's easy to set up and can be used in a process called two-factor authentication (2FA) offered on popular services like Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.

Why you should never use Google Authenticator?

Since the provider has to give you a generated secret during registration, the secret can be exposed at that time. Warning: The primary concern with using a Time-based One-time Password like the Google Authenticator is that you have to trust the providers with protecting your secret.

Does Google Authenticator work after reset?

However, your Google Authenticator credentials won't — they aren't synchronized for obvious security reasons. If you're doing a factory reset, getting a new phone, or just want to copy your credentials to second device, these steps will help you move your authenticator data over so you won't lose your access codes.