# Bitwarden Authenticator Bitwarden offers a standalone app that generates and stores all your two-step verification tokens so you stay more secure. --- ### Secure your accounts with trusted two-factor authentication *Bitwarden Authenticator App* The free Bitwarden authenticator app is open source and generates time-based codes for multi-factor authentication, adding an extra security layer to protect your digital life. **Available free on iOS and Android.** ![authenticator hero - light](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6OKlLEN3MnTl95ECaFXU4M/41c2de68d8cad8c19594fca9c7780245/authenticator_-_light.png) [Download it today](https://bitwarden.com/download/#bitwarden-authenticator) ## Understanding two-factor authentication ### How two-factor authentication works When you log in to a protected account, you'll enter your password first, then open your Bitwarden Authenticator app to get a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. This multi-factor authentication process ensures that even if your password is compromised, they can't access your account without physical access to your device. ![illustration-end-to-end-encryption](https://bitwarden.com/assets/653piscNAty6UwZLQf74Nc/b84ef5fc1c5b0c3b0a62fb1495071d21/illustration-end-to-end-encryption.png) ### Authenticator app vs. SMS two-factor authentication While SMS-based 2FA is better than no protection, authenticator apps provide superior security: - **No network dependency:** Codes generate offline - **SIM-swap protection:**Codes aren't sent via vulnerable SMS - **Faster access:** Instant code generation without waiting for texts - **International reliability:**Works anywhere without roaming issues ![illustration-passwordless](https://bitwarden.com/assets/CnB0QmVxWToeMs7YHkDgE/8022535651064717ffb1ce927418a8e5/illustration-passwordless.png) ## Why multi-factor authentication matters Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA) provide critical protection beyond passwords alone. If a cyberattack were to occur, malicious actors could not access your account without the time-based verification code generated by our authenticator app. ![illustration-2fa](https://bitwarden.com/assets/4FJPHvO5cobDF26qrfQR05/b7317012b9d5fedb33462b22314254c9/illustration-2fa.png) Unlike SMS-based two-factor authentication, which can be intercepted, app-based authenticators like Bitwarden generate codes locally on your device, making them significantly more secure for protecting your sensitive accounts. ![illustration-secure-passwords](https://bitwarden.com/assets/3EacOhiTZHWqgIrlJBU6JC/47b102273a98bb21e65ad54837811b58/illustration-secure-passwords.png) ## Best-in-class authenticator app security ### Enable multi-factor authentication Strong passwords aren't enough. Use Bitwarden Authenticator to enable multi-factor authentication across all your online accounts and applications. The Bitwarden Authenticator app is open source and provides enterprise-grade security with the transparency and trust that comes from publicly audited code. ### Generate two-factor authentication codes instantly The Bitwarden Authenticator app generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for any service that supports two-factor authentication. These 30-second rotating codes ensure your identity is verified, keeping your sensitive data protected from unauthorised access even if your password is compromised. ![authenticator-generate-codes](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6uP014jtetX6CyAh1B7eYd/bb8f3c787f6f409ae34d83314322fd00/authenticator-generate-codes.png) ### Quickly scan a QR code to add a new authentication code A simple, intuitive design and straightforward interface makes it easy to start incorporating authentication into your digital life. ![authenticator-scan-qr - blue](https://bitwarden.com/assets/5TyJf49KaNGsrgfvMwQbGy/b0ed59a727517adc00da93fba4c9092b/authenticator-scan-qr.png) ## Why users choose Bitwarden Authenticator App “Great authenticator app works well, I look forward to see the additional features that will be added soon” ![5 Stars](https://bitwarden.com/assets/4CD4qCY4hBjWu3OaNenhw0/6b6ae5a4608f89b34f7c1099f365d038/Group_1.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) “Very smooth and fast” ![5 Stars](https://bitwarden.com/assets/4CD4qCY4hBjWu3OaNenhw0/6b6ae5a4608f89b34f7c1099f365d038/Group_1.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ## Complete security with Bitwarden Password Manager integration While Bitwarden Authenticator works perfectly as an end-to-end encrypted standalone app, it pairs seamlessly with Bitwarden Password Manager for comprehensive account security. The integration enables access to time-based one-time passwords from either application, Bitwarden Authenticator or Bitwarden Password Manager, reducing the need to manage codes across different apps. Bitwarden Password Manager also includes built-in TOTP generation as a premium feature, allowing you to manage both passwords and authentication codes in one secure, encrypted vault. ![illustration-secure-passwords](https://bitwarden.com/assets/3EacOhiTZHWqgIrlJBU6JC/47b102273a98bb21e65ad54837811b58/illustration-secure-passwords.png) [Learn more about Bitwarden Password Manager](https://bitwarden.com/products/personal/) ## FAQs ### What is the difference between 2FA and MFA? Two-factor authentication (2FA) specifically uses two verification methods, while multi-factor authentication (MFA) can use two or more factors. The Bitwarden Authenticator app supports both 2FA and MFA implementations, generating secure time-based codes for any service that supports TOTP authentication. ### Is this authenticator app better than SMS for two-factor authentication? Yes, authenticator apps provide better security than SMS-based 2FA. App-generated codes can’t be intercepted through SIM-swapping attacks, work offline, and aren’t dependent on mobile networks. Security experts recommend authenticator apps as the gold standard for two-factor authentication. ### Is Bitwarden Authenticator part of Bitwarden Password Manager? Bitwarden Authenticator is a standalone app that is available to everyone, even those who don’t use Bitwarden Password Manager. ### What does Bitwarden Authenticator do? Bitwarden Authenticator generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for multi-factor authentication. The app creates secure 6-digit codes that rotate every 30 seconds, providing an essential second layer of security for your online accounts beyond just passwords. ### Is this the same as storing authentication codes in Bitwarden Password Manager? Integrated TOTP authentication is a premium feature in Bitwarden Password Manager. Bitwarden Authenticator is a free standalone mobile app that generates TOTP codes for any online service that supports them. Bitwarden Authenticator can be used without a Bitwarden account. ### Can I use the Bitwarden Authenticator to add 2FA to my Bitwarden account? Yes! Many Bitwarden users have asked for a standalone authenticator in which to store their verification codes used to access their Bitwarden account. It is important to write down and store your Password Manager recovery codes in a secure place. ### Can I use the Bitwarden Authenticator and Bitwarden Password Manager separately? Yes, these are separate applications. ### How do I back up my data in Bitwarden Authenticator? In this initial release, your data will be backed up through the mobile operating system's backup services. Please make sure your device is switched on and configured for backups. Bitwarden Authenticator data is included in the OS backups and will be restored with them. ### Is Bitwarden Authenticator open source? Yes! Bitwarden Authenticator is open source and available at the following GitHub repositories for [Android](https://github.com/bitwarden/authenticator-android) and [iOS](https://github.com/bitwarden/authenticator-ios). ## Bitwarden Authenticator Join millions who trust Bitwarden for their security needs. Download Bitwarden Authenticator today for free and start protecting your accounts with enterprise-grade multi-factor authentication. ![authenticate app store qr](https://bitwarden.com/assets/4fTSoWT5tI2hh1syp5LEIK/423fe4a57346e65ead045088c11c6893/authenticator-app_store_qr.webp) [Download](https://apps.apple.com/app/bitwarden-authenticator/id6497335175) ![authenticate google play qr](https://bitwarden.com/assets/3NCEAnCSDuFjFkekX6PlEL/990bcab7389d2db7b94a911d6afb3717/authenticator-google_play_qr.webp) [Download](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitwarden.authenticator)