In the battle for supremacy in authenticator apps, it looks - at the moment at least - that Microsoft Authenticator has the upper hand.
Unlike Google Authenticator, which is primarily about your Google account, MS is plowing a distinct furrow.
Microsoft app has broader horizons. It provides easy and secure logins for all the user’s accounts via multi-factor authentication, password auto-filling, and passwordless.
With the need for online security growing daily, multi-factor or 2-factor verification makes eminent sense as these provide an extra layer of security.
Various security options available for logging on
Multi-factor protection of passwords stored in the app
Works with fingerprint ID, face ID, and PINs
Sign in to all your online accounts safely
Support for work and school accounts
With multi-factor authentication in place, you enter your password as usual and then be required to supply another method of proving your identity.
You can alternatively approve the notification that arrives in Microsoft Authenticator or enter a time-sensitive one-time password (OTP) generated by the app. These codes expire after thirty seconds, so you receive a different one each time for security purposes. The app itself creates the OTP, so you don’t even need an internet connection to receive the code.
You can use Microsoft Authenticator in conjunction with multiple accounts, including Facebook, Google, Linked In, Amazon, Dropbox, and more besides.
Works with many online sites
Easy to use
Uses multi-factor, passwordless, or password autofill
Time-sensitive one-time passcodes
Multi-language support
It does not support physical Security Keys
The Microsoft Authenticator app is downloadable from Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
You will need to be packing Android 6.0 or later. Storage space requirements vary by device. Google Play users award the app a very strong 4.7 out of five.
At the App Store, the iOS version claims 145.8 MB of storage space and requires iOS 11.0 or above. Apple users also give Microsoft Authenticator a high approval rating of 4.8 out of five.
While many people will prefer one-time passcodes, you can instead opt to go passwordless for your Microsoft account login. Enter your username as usual, and then approve the notification that gets sent to your phone. Using a PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID will add a further level of security. Once logged in, you then have full access to all your MS services and products, like Outlook, Office, OneDrive, etc.
You can also use Microsoft Authenticator to autofill your passwords. To do this, go to the app’s Passwords tab after signing in with your personal Microsoft account. This tool will let your sync all your passwords, including those you have saved in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and third-party password managers. By making Microsoft Authenticator the default auto-filler, you can use the app to enter passwords on sites and other apps you use on your mobile.
All your passwords saved in the app are subject to multi-factor authentication. Therefore, there is little to worry about if you lose your phone.
