Google Authenticator

Submitted by on and last modified on 4 October, 2017

Category: 

Description of App: 

Google Authenticator works with 2-step verification for your Google Account to provide an additional layer of security when signing in.

Use Google Authenticator to generate verification codes directly on your phone, without the need for a network connection.

Features include:

  • Automatic setup via QR code
  • Support for multiple accounts
  • Support for time-based and counter-based code generation

To use Google Authenticator, you need to enable 2-step verification on your Google Account.

Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.

Apple Watch Support: 

Not Known

Version: 

1.1.4.755

Free or Paid: 

Free

Device(s) App Was Tested On: 

iPhone

Accessibility Comments: 

AppleVis Editor Note: the Usability Rating has been amended to reflect the comments posted below by other users.

Original Comment: Everything in this app works. The code is read properly.

VoiceOver Performance: 

VoiceOver reads most page elements.

Button Labeling: 

All buttons are clearly labeled.

Usability: 

There are some accessibility issues with this app, but it can still be used if you are willing to tolerate these issues and learn how to work around them.

App Store Link: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-a…

Developer's Website: 

http://www.google.com/support/accounts/bin/answer.py

User Options

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1 AppleVis user(s) have recommended this app.
Aaron C

7 Comments

Generated codes can in fact be read

Submitted by on

I have managed to get codes read. I'm not sure why, but you have to switch in and out of the code field several times, and eventually when you switch back to the code field, it will have six digits. I also double tap on the code field. Not sure if that's necessary, but that's what works for me. It's definitely a pain, but I use it because it's much more secure than just signing in with a password.

Reading the code

Submitted by on

Reading the code can be tricky if you are not familiar with the app. However if you keep touching once every couple of seconds on the code field, you will eventually hear a 6 digit code spoken. Then it seems to go away. My thinking is that the code disappears and another random one is generated. I use this for my gmail accounts as well as for LastPass.

I use

Submitted by on

I use 2 step varification for my google account, but I just have the codes sent by SMS, I use this app for last pass and dropbox.

Issues reading the code

Submitted by on

As previously stated, there are some issues reading the authentication code. I have some residual vision and can say that VO doesn't read the code until it turns red. The code turns red to indicate that it is about to change. The only way I have found to get the code within the 30 second window is to use my remaining vision with the zoom feature on my iPhone. Therefore, I would have to disagree with the accessibility rating on this app. It is mostly accessible, but not completely, because the most important feature of the app is not read by VO in a consistent manner.

This app is more accessible than given credit

Submitted by on

Hi. I'd like to submit the following experience. First off, all things are read with this app. The way it works is if you run your finger down toward the right side it will list the entries you have added. When you want to read the code for that entry, swipe to the left once and if there is a code, VOiceOver will read it. Otherwise you will just hear the word "code". If you hear the word "code", then swipe right and then swipe left, and keep repeating until you get this code. No, it is not automatic with Voice Over, then again, how can it be if you have more than one entry? If the code was read automatically and if you have more than one entry how would you know which code is being read out to you. Another way to know the code is find the exact place with your finger on where the code will appear. Again, this is to the left of the entry name. I have 5 or 6 entries on mine and so the screen is filled up. Once you find the word code, just keep single tapping that same area until the code is read. Don't tap too quickly otherwise it will be seen as a double tap. I promise, this works.

Now much more accessible

Submitted by on

I'm happy to report that the latest update to this app fixed the accessibility. Now all items are clearly labeled, and codes are read without issue. No more waiting for codes to become available! The only items that I found that were not labeled were a couple items in the about screen.