Bitwarden Authenticator
Bitwarden Authenticator is a standalone app that generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) for logins that support authenticator app two-factor authentication (2FA). It generates 5-10 digit codes, by default using SHA-1 and rotating them every 30 seconds.
Bitwarden offers two authenticators: the Bitwarden Authenticator app and Password Manager integrated authenticator. Bitwarden Authenticator is available for everyone, with or without a Bitwarden Password Manager account. If you use both apps, you can synchronize codes between Authenticator and your Bitwarden vault. When synced, your codes will be labelled either Local Codes or labelled by your account email address:
Install Bitwarden Authenticator
Bitwarden Authenticator is available on iOS and Android devices. To get started, download the app from your device's app store:
iOS: App Store (iOS 15+)
Android: Google Play (Android 9+)
tip
On iOS 16+, you can make Bitwarden Authenticator or Password Manager integrated authentication your default verification code app when scanning codes directly from the camera app. To set this up:
Open the iOS Settings app on your device.
Tap General.
Tap AutoFill & Passwords.
Tap Password Options.
In the Verification Codes section, select an app from the Set Up Codes In dropdown menu.
Add codes
You can add codes to Authenticator a few ways. If you already saved verification codes in Password Manager, sync the apps to automatically display those codes in Authenticator. For new codes, scan a QR code or manually enter a code key:
In the Bitwarden Authenticator app:
Tap the Add icon.
Point your camera at the QR code. Scanning will happen automatically.
Choose whether to Save here (only in Authenticator) or Save to Bitwarden (save as a login item in Password Manager).
tip
If you create a local code in Authenticator and later want to add it to your vault, copy the code to Password Manager.
Edit codes
To edit a code that's synced from your vault, update the login item in Password Manager. For local codes stored only in Authenticator, long press the code and select Edit to access these options:
Edit the Name or Key.
Add a Username. Use this field when you have multiple accounts for the same website and require a separate verification code per account.
Toggle on Favorite to move that code to the top of the app's home screen for easy access.
Change the Algorithm used to generate the code. By default, Bitwarden Authenticator uses SHA-1.
Change the Refresh period for the code. By default, Bitwarden Authenticator uses 30 seconds.
Change the Number of digits for the code. By default, Bitwarden Authenticator uses 6 digits.
note
Algorithm, Refresh period, and Number of digits are determined by the site you're using the verification code with. Do not change these settings for an item unless that website requires it or allows you to customize verification code behavior.
Use codes
To use a verification code, open Bitwarden Authenticator and tap an entry to copy it. Then paste the code into the verification prompt where you're logging in.
Transfer codes to a new mobile device
When you get a new mobile device, you need to transfer your TOTPs for them to appear in Bitwarden Authenticator. Use the method that matches your set-up:
For local codes, export your Bitwarden Authenticator data on your old device. On your new device, import the file to Authenticator.
For any codes that synced with Password Manager on the old device, set up sync on your new device. This will pull all verification codes that are attached to saved login items. Alternatively, export a .json file for the TOTPs located in your vault and then import the file to Authenticator on your new device.