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T-Mobile users need not worry about latest move as it's a temporary change

By Anam Hamid

Updated: Jun 12, 2024, 3:40 PM

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T-Mobile customers say carrier's latest move is directly putting them in harm's way

Update:T-Mobile says that it has taken away the Google Authenticator optional temporarily and it will be back soon.

To make some updates we took the Google Authenticator down for a short period of time, but it will be back up shortly.

The original article continues below.

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Just when you think T-Mobile is trying to make up for going back on its promise of not raising prices, the carrier does something to remind you that it can be very unpredictable sometimes. In the latest such episode, T-Mobile appears to have removed an important layer of security from some user accounts.

As many Reddit users have noticed, T-Mobile is no longer letting its customers use the Google Authenticator app for two-step verification. The app enhances security by generating a time-based one-time password (TOTP) that you will need to enter in addition to your password to access an account.

T-Mobile no longer letting users use the Google&nbsp;Authenticator for&nbsp;two-step verification - T-Mobile users need not worry about latest move as it's a temporary change

T-Mobile no longer letting users use the Google Authenticator for two-step verification

Users are understandably miffed, considering the only option most are left with is SMS authentication, which some cyber security experts say is less safe. That's because an unencrypted code sent over a text message by a service can be intercepted by cybercriminals.

Authenticator apps, on the other hand, create codes locally on a device and are much harder for a bad actor to steal.

These apps are also a better choice than text verification for preventing SIM swap attacks, which we already know is something T-Mobile customers are vulnerable to.

And even if you put the security risk aside, the Authenticator app is more convenient than SMS for many reasons. For instance, it will generate a verification code even when you don't have a cellular connection. This is crucial these days, given that we have seen T-Mobile's network go down four times this year alone.

Lol what a joke. Having problems with a sim/esim and no service on your phone? Log in and use the mfa code that can only be sent to your...oooop." Reddit user FBAnder

The Authenticator app is also a better option for families with multiple accounts, as they won't have to rely on the person with the primary line to log into their accounts.

I manage our family plan but am not the primary line on it, so sms for MFA is just that much more inconvenient for me now as I have to make sure that the family member with primary line is around and can forward the code to me anytime I need to login to my account." - Reddit user greendx

Ugh. We have three lines all with their own accounts. Used to be easy for me to just login to each and get them paid (had 2FA TOTP in password manager). This just adds a nice layer of inconvenience along with less security and lack of alternative code source." - Reddit user Kinetic_Strike

Whether the option to use the Google Authenticator app was only removed temporarily is not known, but if it's gone for good, T-Mobilemight again have to convince customers to not go to the FCC to complain about it.

File FCC complaints about this. The FCC passes new guidelines about companies being responsible for SIM security and T-Mobile turns around and axes the best option to keep your account safe?" - Reddit user Ethrem

View Full Bio

Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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T-Mobile users need not worry about latest move as it's a temporary change

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