gitwtfhub

wtf is authenticator?

haidrrrry/authenticator — explained in plain English

Analysis updated 2026-08-01 · repo last pushed 2025-06-16

7KotlinAudience · generalComplexity · 2/5StaleSetup · moderate

TL;DR

A privacy-first two-factor authentication app that generates temporary login codes entirely offline. It runs on Android, iOS, and desktop from a single shared codebase.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      Generates 2FA codes
      Works fully offline
      Stores data on device
    Tech stack
      Kotlin
      Compose Multiplatform
      TOTP protocol
    Use cases
      Secure online logins
      Desktop 2FA access
      Privacy-first auth
    Features
      Smart search
      Tap to copy
      Light and dark themes
      Visual countdown timer
    Audience
      Privacy-conscious users
      Founders and managers
      Cross-device users

Code map

Detail Auto

An interactive map of this repo's files and how they connect — its source is parsed live in your browser. Click Visualize to build it.

filefunction / class

Why would anyone build with this?

REASON 1

Generate offline two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts on any device.

REASON 2

Use a desktop 2FA app so you can copy login codes without switching to your phone.

REASON 3

Keep all your 2FA account data private and local instead of syncing to the cloud.

What's in the stack?

KotlinCompose MultiplatformTOTP

How it stacks up

haidrrrry/authenticatorstrugglechen1337/thorrombutlerandroid-hacker/wechatchatroomhelper
Stars778
LanguageKotlinKotlinKotlin
Last pushed2025-06-162019-12-09
MaintenanceStaleDormant
Setup difficultymoderateeasyhard
Complexity2/52/54/5
Audiencegeneralgeneraldeveloper

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you spin it up?

Difficulty · moderate Time to first run · 30min

Requires setting up Kotlin and Compose Multiplatform build tooling to compile for Android, iOS, or desktop targets.

Wtf does this do

Authenticator is a two-factor authentication (2FA) app that generates the temporary, six-digit security codes you need when logging into your online accounts. Instead of relying on a cloud-connected service like Google Authenticator or Authy, this app works entirely offline and stores all your account data directly on your device. It runs on Android phones, iPhones, and desktop computers. At its core, the app implements a standard security protocol called TOTP, which generates a new passcode every thirty seconds based on a secret key tied to your account. When you set up 2FA on a website, you normally scan a QR code or enter a text key. This app takes that secret key, computes the current code using the clock on your device, and displays it with a visual timer so you know how long the code remains valid. Because the generation depends only on the secret key and the current time, the app never needs an internet connection to produce your codes. This tool is built for anyone who wants a privacy-first approach to securing their online logins. For example, if you are a founder or manager who logs into sensitive dashboards across different devices, you could use this on your desktop instead of fumbling with your phone. It also appeals to users who are uncomfortable with authentication apps that sync data to the cloud, since everything here stays local to the machine you are using. The app includes helpful features like smart search to find specific accounts, tap-to-copy codes, and both light and dark themes. What stands out about this project is how it is built. The developer used a technology called Compose Multiplatform, which allows a single codebase written in Kotlin to run across Android, iOS, and desktop operating systems. This means the creator only has to write and maintain the app's interface and logic once, rather than building three separate versions from scratch. Looking ahead, the project's roadmap includes plans for backup options and biometric security features like fingerprint unlocking.

Yoink these prompts

Prompt 1
I want a privacy-first 2FA app that works on my desktop and phone without cloud sync. Help me set up and build this Kotlin Compose Multiplatform project for my devices.
Prompt 2
Show me how to add a new account secret to this Authenticator app by scanning a QR code or entering a text key manually.
Prompt 3
Help me understand how this app generates TOTP codes offline using only my device clock and a secret key, and walk me through the code that does it.

Frequently asked questions

wtf is authenticator?

A privacy-first two-factor authentication app that generates temporary login codes entirely offline. It runs on Android, iOS, and desktop from a single shared codebase.

What language is authenticator written in?

Mainly Kotlin. The stack also includes Kotlin, Compose Multiplatform, TOTP.

Is authenticator actively maintained?

Stale — no commits in 1-2 years (last push 2025-06-16).

How hard is authenticator to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated moderate, with roughly 30min to a first successful run.

Who is authenticator for?

Mainly general.

View the repo → Decode another repo

This repo across BitVibe Labs

Don't trust strangers blindly. Verify against the repo.