Customer Reviews (100)

Jane Keser • 2025-03-26T22:44:53.386Z

Great

Joshua Cloutier • 2025-03-26T22:41:15.782Z

The ads and constant paywall message upon startup makes using this app unbearable. A game I play utilizes this service after disbanding their own and what a pain. You can't just open the app and get your code to login... you have to go through hoops with telling them you don't want their paywall service and then getting through the ads. I would not use this app if I wasn't forced to.

Farhad Ali • 2025-03-26T22:15:47.935Z

it is very useful

Summary of Key Insights

The SafeAuth Authenticator app receives mixed reviews. While a large majority of users (84%) give it a 5-star rating, a significant portion (14%) rate it 1-star. The positive reviews often mention ease of use and effectiveness. However, the negative reviews highlight intrusive ads, a perceived paywall, and concerns about unauthorized charges. Some users also express concerns about the app mimicking a legitimate authenticator (Microsoft), potentially leading to unintentional installations. The app's backup and sync feature is mentioned positively in the app description but not explicitly in the provided reviews. Overall sentiment is skewed positive due to the high number of 5-star ratings, but the negative reviews raise serious concerns about user experience and potential deceptive practices.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (1.5.6)
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual), keyword extraction (manual), frequency analysis of mentioned issues and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • Intrusive Ads and Paywall: Several 1-star reviews complain about the app being riddled with ads and constantly prompting users to subscribe, making it difficult to access the 2FA codes. This is a major usability issue.
  • Unauthorized Charges/Subscriptions: A few users claim to have been charged without their permission or after canceling their subscription. This is a critical issue that erodes trust.
  • Misleading App Identity: Some users believe the app is deliberately designed to resemble a legitimate authenticator app (Microsoft), potentially leading to unintentional installations.
  • Data Loss After Deletion: One user reports losing their 2FA codes after deleting the app without a backup, indicating a potential usability flaw in the backup/restore process or a lack of clear instructions.

Frequently Requested Features

Based on the provided reviews, there are no explicit requests for new features. However, implied requests include:

  • Ad-free experience: Users are clearly looking for an authenticator app without intrusive ads.
  • Reliable subscription management: Users expect subscriptions to be properly canceled and not be charged unexpectedly.
  • Clearer backup/restore process: Users need a more intuitive and reliable way to back up and restore their 2FA codes.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Several users mention the app being easy to use and set up.
  • Effectiveness: Some users report that the app effectively helps them recover their accounts and provides good security.
  • Good/Nice App: Many generic positive reviews, while not specific, indicate a generally positive experience for some users.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Address Unauthorized Charges: Immediately investigate and resolve all claims of unauthorized charges. Implement a clear and transparent subscription management system.
    • Reduce Intrusive Ads: Significantly reduce the frequency and intrusiveness of ads. Consider offering a reasonably priced ad-free version.
    • Clarify App Identity: Ensure the app's name, icon, and description do not mislead users into thinking it's affiliated with or a replacement for other authenticator apps (e.g., Microsoft Authenticator).
  • Medium Priority:
    • Improve Backup/Restore Process: Make the backup and restore process more intuitive and reliable. Provide clear instructions and warnings about data loss upon deletion without a backup.
  • Low Priority:
    • Solicit More Specific Feedback: Encourage users to provide more detailed feedback on their experience to identify specific areas for improvement.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Ethical Authenticator App: A 2FA app that prioritizes user privacy, transparency, and a non-intrusive user experience. This could be a paid app with no ads and a strong focus on data security.
  • Enhanced Backup and Recovery: An authenticator app with advanced backup and recovery options, such as encrypted cloud storage or the ability to export/import keys in a secure format.

Trends and Observations

  • Polarized Reviews: The review distribution shows a strong divide between very positive (5-star) and very negative (1-star) experiences, suggesting that the app's quality and user experience are inconsistent.
  • Generic Positive Reviews: Many positive reviews are short and lack detail ("good," "nice"), which may indicate incentivized reviews or a lack of engagement from genuinely satisfied users.
  • Focus on Ads and Subscriptions: The negative reviews consistently focus on the app's monetization strategy, suggesting that it's a major source of dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

The SafeAuth Authenticator app has the potential to be a useful 2FA solution, but the negative reviews raise serious concerns about its monetization strategy and potential for deceptive practices. The developer should prioritize addressing the issues related to unauthorized charges, intrusive ads, and misleading app identity to improve user trust and overall satisfaction. A more ethical and user-centric approach could significantly improve the app's reputation and long-term success.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=authenticator.two.factor.authentication.otp