Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Google does not publish a maximum number of accounts or codes that Google Authenticator can hold. Its help documentation confirms support for syncing codes for multiple Google Accounts on one mobile device, but gives no numerical capacity limit. That means the precise maximum is not established by Google’s published guidance.
What “accounts” means in Google Authenticator
Authenticator stores verification codes for online services, which may include Google Accounts and accounts from other services. Google confirms that codes for multiple Google Accounts can be synced and displayed on one mobile device, but it does not specify a maximum number of Google Accounts or total code entries.
Features such as searching codes by username and dragging them to reorder can make a larger list easier to manage. They do not establish that the app has unlimited capacity. Google’s Authenticator help page does not state a hard entry limit.
How to keep codes available when changing phones
Google documents two ways to move codes to another device. Choose based on whether you want Google Account sync or prefer to keep codes on the device and transfer them manually.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
| Method | How it works | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Google Account sync | Sign in to the Google Account in Authenticator on the new device; synced codes become available there. | You must be comfortable signing in to a Google Account. Google documents sync but does not state a code-count ceiling. |
| Manual QR-code transfer | Use Authenticator’s export option on the old device and scan the generated QR code or codes with the new device. | The old device needs to be available for export. Transferring multiple entries may involve more than one QR code. Codes used without a Google Account remain on the device until transferred. |
Google’s transfer instructions cover both approaches. Neither method has a documented numerical capacity in that guidance.
Using Authenticator without internet access
Authenticator can generate verification codes without an internet connection or mobile service. This is useful when you need a code while offline; it does not change the number of entries the app can hold.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Keep access secure and recoverable
Sync and transfer are ways to keep codes available, not ways to increase capacity. Google also recommends security measures such as Privacy Screen, enrolling in additional 2-Step Verification methods, and considering passkeys. These options can help protect or recover account access, but they do not expand Authenticator’s code list.
For synced codes, Google says Authenticator codes are encrypted in transit and at rest across its products. If you use the app without a Google Account, codes are stored on the device and are not available on your other devices.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Version requirements and interface notes
Google’s help page lists Android version 6.0 or later and iOS version 4.0 or later for syncing. It also says Android version 6.0 or later is required to use the app. Requirements and interface details can change, so check the current Google guidance for your device. Google notes that the time-correction setting is no longer available in app version 7.0; the app uses the operating system’s time setting instead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 is a versatile physical passkey that protects your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 via USB and tap it to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
