These backups are encrypted on your device and then stored in the cloud on Authy servers, owned by Twilio. Taking BackupsĪuthy allows users to take backups of their codes if they lose their smartphones. Just tap the ‘+’ icon and point the back camera towards the QR code. Scanning QR codes on both apps is easy and quick. However, you may use it with your Microsoft account, but that’s optional.

Unlike Authy, you can use it without having to create an account. Microsoft Authenticator uses a similar layout where logos are synced making it easy to find 2FA codes of respective services. Google Authenticator never syncs them, and thereby makes it hard to find a 2FA code in a sea of text and numbers. Authy does have a solution to that which we will discuss in the Security point below.Īuthy uses a colorful layout where it is easy to find your 2FA codes since each entry uses logo of the respective service. In case you are unaware, SIM swapping is a common phishing technique where the hacker will issue a new SIM card with your number and then use the same to generate OTPs (One Time Password). That means your phone must have an active SIM card.

When you open Authy for the first time, the app will ask you to create an account using your mobile number. Now, let’s see how Authy compares with Microsoft Authenticator and which 2FA app should you use.

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