Google Authenticator update removes a pretty useful feature

Google Authenticator is a useful app for generating one-time passwords for apps and online logins that might require 2FA. Back in June, Google actually introduced a new feature in the form of “Click to reveal PIN”. The idea is that when the app launches, instead of showing all your PINs, you’ll have to tap on each of them to reveal it.

This is a nice security feature that ensures that anyone looking over your shoulder won’t be able to see the rest of your PINs. Unfortunately, according to a report from 9to5Google, it seems that for whatever reason, the latest update to the app sees the feature pulled from it.

This affects version 5.20R4 of the app. Keep in mind that it also only affects the Android version of Google Authenticator because for whatever reason, Google did not include the feature in its iOS app, so for iOS users, it’s business as usual. We’re not sure why Google pulled the feature, perhaps the company felt that it didn’t really accomplish much.

Given that the codes change every 30 seconds, we suppose even if someone was looking over your shoulder, they wouldn’t be able to steal your code unless they were already waiting to log into your app or online service. Either way, it’s a pity that it’s gone but hopefully Google might consider bringing it back someday.

Source: 9to5Google