Google’s Authenticator app has just been updated to a new version, bumping users up to v4.74, and it introduces some visual changes to look forward to, not the least of which is a new dark mode as well as a few material design-inspired user interface tweaks. While it’s entirely possible that some users are already seeing this update hit their version of the app, it’s also likely that not everyone will have the update show up today, and if that happens to be the case you can still get on the newest version of Google Authenticator by downloading the APK from the button below.
As for what’s new, there will be an option to theme the app in a dark mode now, which essentially drapes the top header bar and various other elements in black, with a dark gray backdrop for the pages. The “+” Floating Action Button stays the same color (red) regardless of the mode you choose, but it’s also new as it wasn’t part of the app prior to this update. Tapping will allow users to add a new account with ease. To get to dark mode and enable it, all users have to do is tap on the overflow menu button and dark mode should be listed there. Aside from the new dark mode and addition of the FAB, the entire app should appear with a Material Design face lift of sorts. The updated look is not the first time Material Design was added, as Google implemented that change last December, but with the refreshed visuals that are present following this particular update, the app is more up to code so to speak with the most recent Material Design guidelines.
While the visual changes in Google Authenticator will no doubt be appealing and pleasing to the eye to anyone that uses the app, it isn’t always about the way things look, as function is sometimes more important than form. This plays into the last new change to Google Authenticator as the team at Google has added an in-app scanner to the app which is capable of reading QR codes. If this is something you felt the app needed, the option will now be available when you go to add 2FA generators using a QR code.
Download Google Authenticator v4.74 APK
