Is an authenticator app safer than SMS codes?
By Bridget · Updated May 2026 · Reviewed by Locket Security Team
★ the short answer
Yes — an authenticator app is safer than SMS 2FA. Authenticator apps generate codes locally on your device, so they can't be intercepted by a SIM-swap attack, where a scammer ports your phone number to steal incoming texts. Use an authenticator app or passkey as your main method and keep SMS only as a backup.
Why is SMS-based 2FA less secure?
SMS codes travel over the phone network, so they can be stolen through a SIM-swap attack — a scammer convinces your carrier to move your number to their SIM, then receives your codes. SMS can also be intercepted or phished in real time. It still beats no 2FA, but it's the weakest option.
How do authenticator apps work?
An authenticator app stores a secret shared with the service and uses it to generate a fresh 6-digit code every 30 seconds, entirely on your device. Nothing is sent over the network, so there's no text to intercept or SIM to hijack. Google Authenticator, Authy, and most password managers offer this.
How do I switch my accounts from SMS to an authenticator app?
In each account's security settings, add an authenticator app as a new 2FA method, scan the QR code, and confirm. Then remove SMS as the primary method (you can keep it as a backup). Do this for your email and highest-value accounts first, and save backup codes as you go.
Frequently asked
- A passkey or hardware security key. These bind login to a physical device and resist phishing entirely, which is why they're recommended for high-value creator accounts.
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