An Authy desktop alternative for Mac

Twilio shut down the Authy desktop apps on 19 March 2024. If you liked getting your 2FA codes without reaching for your phone, AuthentiCat puts them in your Mac's menu bar instead.

What happened to Authy desktop

Twilio ended its Authy desktop apps for Mac, Windows and Linux on 19 March 2024. The Authy apps for iPhone and Android kept working, but there's no longer an official way to get Authy codes on a Mac without your phone.

Can I import my Authy accounts?

No. Authy doesn't let you export your secret keys, so no other authenticator can import them directly. You'll need to set each account up again, which takes about a minute per site. Your Authy app keeps working the whole time, so you can move accounts at your own pace.

How to move from Authy to AuthentiCat

1. Install AuthentiCat and keep Authy on your phone for now.
2. Sign in to a site and open its security or two-factor settings.
3. Choose the option to change or set up your authenticator app. Some sites call it "reconfigure" or "add a new device". The site shows a new QR code.
4. In AuthentiCat, choose Scan QR code on screen and pick the browser window. No phone needed.
5. Type the code AuthentiCat shows into the site to confirm, and save any new recovery codes it gives you.
6. Once every account works in AuthentiCat, remove them from Authy.

Also use Google Authenticator? Those accounts can come over in one scan.

What's the same, and what's different

Like Authy desktop

• Your codes are on your Mac, so you don't need to reach for your phone.
• Click to copy, then paste into the login form.

Different from Authy

• Feels like part of macOS. No window to find and no Dock icon: it lives in the menu bar. Click the cat, or type to search and press Return.
• No phone number or account. Authy accounts are tied to a phone number. AuthentiCat has no sign-up at all.
• Nothing leaves your Mac. Secrets stay in your macOS Keychain, and the app has no networking code.
• No lock-in. Export your accounts as QR codes or an encrypted backup file whenever you like, which you can't do with Authy.
• Buy once. A one-time purchase on the Mac App Store, with no subscription.

Backups without the cloud

Authy kept your devices in step by storing your accounts on its servers. AuthentiCat takes a safer route: your accounts stay on your Mac, and you decide where any copies go. Export them as QR codes into an authenticator on your phone, or save a password-protected backup file, so a lost or broken device never locks you out.

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