Private Authenticator Documentation¶
Private Authenticator (PrivAuth for short) is a free iPhone app that makes the sign-in codes many websites and apps ask for, and keeps them private.
When a website says "set up an authenticator app", you point Private Authenticator's camera at the square barcode it shows you. From then on, the app gives you a fresh code for that site whenever you need one. The codes live only in your iPhone's secure storage, they never pass through a Pebble IT server, and Face ID or Touch ID has to confirm it's really you before a code is shown.
[Screenshot: the Recent tab with a few accounts listed, the Description and Archived pills above the list]
Where to start¶
| If you… | Read |
|---|---|
| are new to codes like these | Welcome to Private Authenticator, which explains what they are and why they matter |
| have just installed the app | Your First Launch, then Adding Your First Account |
| use Steam | Adding a Steam Account |
| are moving from Google Authenticator or another app | Importing from Google Authenticator and Importing from Other Apps |
| want to be sure you never lose your codes | Why Back Up?, the one page to read if you read nothing else |
| have an Apple Watch | Apple Watch |
| want to know what the app does with your data | How Your Codes Are Protected and the Privacy Policy |
| are stuck | Troubleshooting, the FAQ, or email us |
Every technical word on this site is explained in the Glossary, and hovering over an abbreviation shows a short definition.
How this site is organised¶
The tabs across the top group the pages by purpose: Start Here, Everyday Use, Backups & Moving, Privacy & Help, Reference and About. Pick a page from the left-hand menu, jump to a section from the "On this page" panel on the right, or search everything at once from the box at the top. The version menu next to the site name lets you read the documentation for an earlier version of the app.
Free, and made in Australia¶
Private Authenticator is made by Pebble IT Solutions Pty Ltd in Australia. It is free, has no adverts, needs no account and no sign-up, and works without an internet connection. If you need help beyond these pages, email [email protected].