Our verdict: Ente Auth is a free authenticator that solves the biggest problem of phone-only 2FA apps: losing your codes with your phone. Codes sync end-to-end encrypted between devices, or stay offline if you skip the account. It covers standard time-based codes, not push approvals.
About Ente Auth
Ente Auth stores the secrets for time-based one-time passwords (TOTP and HOTP) and shows the current six-digit codes for your accounts. It comes from Ente, the company behind the Ente Photos storage service, and Ente has announced that Auth will stay free.
With an Ente account, codes are encrypted on your device before syncing, and Ente's servers only hold encrypted copies; the cryptography has been externally audited. You can also choose Use without backups and keep everything on one device. The Windows desktop app shows the same codes as your phone, which is handy when signing in on a PC.
What it does well
- Encrypted sync. Syncs codes end-to-end encrypted across mobile, desktop and web.
- Offline mode. Use the app without an account; codes stay on the device.
- Import and export. Imports codes from other 2FA apps and exports encrypted backups.
- Next code preview. Shows the upcoming code so you do not have to wait for it to change.
- Tags, notes and icons. Organize entries with tags, pins, notes and service icons.
Who it is for
Good fit
Anyone who wants 2FA codes on both phone and PC with an encrypted backup they control.
Look elsewhere
Work accounts that require push approvals in Microsoft Authenticator or Duo.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free with no paid tier
- Open source with audited encryption
- Works offline without an account
- Apps for Windows, phones and web
Cons
- No push-approval sign-ins for Microsoft or Duo work accounts
- Losing both your password and recovery key means losing synced codes
- Desktop app still checks Ente's servers for updates in offline mode
How to install Ente Auth
Run the Windows installer from the official page. Sign in with an Ente account to sync codes from your phone, or choose Use without backups for offline use. If you create an account, save the recovery key; without it Ente cannot restore access to your encrypted codes.
Questions about Ente Auth
Is Ente Auth free?
Yes. Ente has announced that Ente Auth will be free forever, including encrypted backup and sync.
Does Ente Auth require an account?
No. Choose Use without backups to keep codes only on the device; create an account when you want sync.
Can Ente see my 2FA codes?
No. Codes are encrypted on your device before sync, and Ente's servers store only encrypted copies.
