Kevin's Picks: Proton Authenticator
I switched to Proton Authenticator because it gives me control over my two-factor codes. No lock-in, no hassle, and I can move my codes between devices and apps whenever I need.
For a long time, I used Authy to manage my two-factor authentication codes. It worked well enough, but one thing always bothered me: there’s no way to export your codes. Once you start using Authy, you’re effectively locked in. That meant I felt tied to it, even when I wanted to move on.
Eventually, I decided to start fresh with Proton Authenticator. Setting it up is simple.
How Proton Authenticator Works
Download the app.
When you enable two-factor authentication on a site, scan the QR code using Proton Authenticator.
The account appears in your list with a six-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds.
Use that code to log in when prompted.
Keep your 2FA Codes Separate
I also prefer keeping my 2FA codes separate from my password manager. This way, even if one tool is compromised, however unlikely, the other still protects me. It adds a small but important extra layer of security.
What I like most is that Proton Authenticator doesn’t leave me feeling stuck the way Authy did. I can add accounts on my own terms, without worrying about whether I’ll be able to move them later. The app itself is straightforward to use. I just open it, grab the code I need, and log in.
Switching to Proton Authenticator has been a good fit for me. It keeps my logins secure, it separates codes from my passwords, and it frees me from being locked into an app that doesn’t let me leave.
Switching Apps
That said, of you’ll need to disable and re-enable app-based 2FA on your accounts to set them up on Proton Authenticator, but given its ability to export them, this SHOULD be the last time you ever need to do this. Hopefully. No other 2FA app offers this, as far as I know.
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