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Glossary

What is an authenticator app?

Personal vs team authenticator apps, TOTP, and MultiMFA for shared enrollments.

Shared authenticator hubTry MultiMFA TOTP

Definition

An authenticator app generates TOTP codes on a device—Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, etc. Enrollment typically scans a QR code containing a secret seed.

Shared vs personal use

Personal apps fit individual workforce MFA. Shared admin accounts need team authenticator architecture—one enrollment, many viewers. Migration: Google Authenticator guide.

Business examples

  • Agency maintaining client Shopify admin TOTP.
  • Platform team sharing GitHub org owner authenticator.

Move shared logins off personal apps

Governed team authenticator with MultiMFA.

Start Free TrialCompare vs Google Auth

How teams apply this in practice

  1. Audit personal apps on shared logins

    Find single-phone dependencies.

  2. Migrate to team platform

    Re-enroll into MultiMFA TOTP.

MultiMFA

TOTP

MultiMFA TOTP

Shared TOTP enrollment with viewer governance.

Try TOTP
Web Authenticator

MultiMFA Authenticator

Individual web-based TOTP vaults for phone-free teams.

Explore Authenticator
SMS

MultiMFA SMS

Shared SMS verification for operational accounts.

Try SMS

Frequently asked questions

How does authenticator apps relate to shared team access?
Teams misuse personal authenticator apps by sharing screenshots—use a shared authenticator platform with viewers instead.
Can MultiMFA help operationalize this for teams?
Yes. MultiMFA TOTP and SMS provide governed second-factor delivery—recipients and viewers—without cloning seeds to many phones or forwarding texts in chat. Start with a 14-day trial on one shared login.
Is this the same as a password manager?
Password managers store credentials; some store OTP fields. MultiMFA focuses on second-factor delivery and visibility for accounts that must stay shared—complementary to vaults, not a full replacement.
Google Authenticator vs MultiMFA?
See compare guide: personal mobile app vs team TOTP governance.

More questions? Contact support or read our security overview.

Team authenticator platform

MultiMFA TOTP enrollment + viewers.

Try MultiMFA TOTPGlossary: QR auth