Fix Google Authenticator Crashing / Not Opening on IOS 14 / 14.2

Instructions for re-installing Google Authenticator without loosing any current authenticator items.

Open Settings
Open General
Select iPhone Storage

 

Select Authenticator — if you have many apps, it may be best to scroll to the bottom first as authenticator typically uses a small amount of storage
Select Offload App — this will remove the App but not remove your local data or authenticator sessions. Dialog will confirm
Offload App Dialog
Reinstall the app

After the re-install is complete you will be good to go and the Authenticator app will once-again open without crashing. You may want to re-install the app over WiFi as it will re-download the app from iCloud / Apple store.

Honestly, Google authenticator is behind-the-times in terms of a solid 2-factor authentication app. You can tell by the many 2-star and worse reviews. Personally, I’m switching to Authy after this IOS 14 mishap

References

Published: November 14, 2020
Updated: February 5, 2023

Questions and answers

Helpful product questions tied to this manual. Each item links to the full Q&A page.

Answered questions

How can I fix Google Authenticator crashing on iOS if the 'Offload App' option is disabled by my employer?

If the Offload App option is missing or greyed out, it is likely because your device is managed via Mobile Device Management (MDM) by your employer, and they have restricted the ability to modify...

Read full answer

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Questions & Answers

Use this section to ask about setup, compatibility, troubleshooting, or anything missing from this manual.

  1. You are a genius. 100% successful and saved me some serious pain. Thank you so much. 🙂 Craig – Western Australia.

    Reply

  15. Mine is doing the same, but mine is also controlled by my employer. When I do this, “Offload App” is not an option. Where to do from there?

    Joe asks Mine is doing the same, but mine is also controlled by my employer. When I do this, "Offload App" is not an option. Where to do from there?
    Manuals+ clarified question
    Question

    How can I fix Google Authenticator crashing on iOS if the 'Offload App' option is disabled by my employer?

    Answer

    If the Offload App option is missing or greyed out, it is likely because your device is managed via Mobile Device Management (MDM) by your employer, and they have restricted the ability to modify or offload specific apps.

    Since you cannot use the standard offloading fix, please try the following steps:

    • Check for iOS Updates: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Sometimes a system update can resolve app compatibility issues on iOS 14.
    • Check the App Store: Open the App Store and check if there is a direct update available for Google Authenticator.
    • Contact IT Support: Because your device is controlled by your employer, you should contact your company's IT help desk. They may need to push a fresh version of the app to your device through their management console or update the security profile.
    • Warning: Do NOT manually delete the app unless you have your backup codes or have already set up your accounts on a secondary device, as deleting the app on a managed device may permanently erase your 2FA tokens.

    Read the full Q&A page

    Reply

    1. You might be able to backup your phone to your computer via iTunes and then restore from a backup. This may re-enable the app.
      The safest thing to do is to get your employer to allow app offloading via the provisioning profiles.

      admin asks You might be able to backup your phone to your computer via iTunes and then restore from a backup. This <em>may</em> re-enable the app.
      The safest thing to do is to get your employer to allow app offloading via the provisioning profiles.
      Manuals+ clarified question
      Question

      How can I fix Google Authenticator crashing on iOS if the 'Offload App' option is disabled by my employer?

      Answer

      You might be able to backup your phone to your computer via iTunes and then restore from a backup. This may re-enable the app.
      The safest thing to do is to get your employer to allow app offloading via the provisioning profiles.

      Reply

  16. I wanted nothing to do with contacting my IT team to re-setup my authenticator and this post saved the day. Thank you for providing CLEAR instructions on how to do this. Huge TIME SAVER!

    Reply

  20. Wow what a great explanation that works immediately !!
    Tx !!
    Wow wat een super uitleg die ook onmiddellijk werkt!!
    Tx!!

    Reply

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