When you think of the best authenticator apps, several options will come to mind, including Authy and Google Authenticator. They all do one thing well: generating the codes that keep your accounts safe. As someone who craves all-in-one solutions, I wasn’t happy relying on different apps for different purposes.
I use Standard Notes, a secure, privacy-focused app that stores my thoughts and to-do lists. And when Standard Notes added a built-in authenticator, I instantly switched to it. Using your note-taking app as your authenticator may sound unconventional, but for me, Standard Notes’ built-in authenticator was a no-brainer for several reasons, despite it being part of the paid plan.
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Reduces app clutter on my devices
Like most people these days, I use a variety of apps day-to-day for both my work and personal life. I therefore have dozens of apps installed on my devices, from messaging and productivity apps to utilities like password managers and photo editors. Because of the kind of work I do, my devices can easily become overloaded with apps I rarely use.
Traditional authenticator apps often fall into that category; they’re essential for security but otherwise sit idle until you need a login code. Sure, authenticator apps don’t occupy that much space compared to social media apps, games, and some utility apps. Regardless, using them means yet another app to install on my already cluttered device.
By using Standard Notes as both my note-taking and authenticator app, I’ve eliminated the need for an extra standalone app, which makes my device less cluttered. Fewer apps also mean fewer updates to manage and fewer backup worries.
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Simple to set up and access
Setting up authentication codes in Standard Notes is a breeze
A big reason many people stick with traditional authenticator apps is how simple they are to set up. Usually, you just scan a QR code or enter a secret key, and you’re good to go. Standard Notes maintains the same simplicity that makes it easy to set up. When you need to add an account, you don’t need to jump through any technical hoops or manually type in long secret keys. It makes the process easy by allowing you to use the QR code provided by the service you’re securing, and the app automatically generates the token for you.
Once you tap Create and enter the provided code for the service you want secured, you’re good to go. Within seconds, your account is linked, and your tokens are safely stored inside the same encrypted environment as your notes. You can create separate authenticator notes for each account or put them all in one note, which I prefer because I can access all my codes in one interface, like in dedicated authenticator apps.
This streamlined process made adopting Standard Notes as an authenticator feel natural, even for someone used to dedicated apps like Google Authenticator and Authy. And just like Google Authenticator or Authy, you can jump in to get the time-based code anytime you need to log in to an account you’ve added.
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Standard Notes is open-source
All its code is open for everyone to see
One of the most reassuring aspects of using Standard Notes as both a note-taking app and an authenticator is its open-source foundation. Unlike many proprietary authenticator apps, Standard Notes makes its code available for anyone to inspect. This transparency builds trust because security experts and the broader community can verify how the app handles everything, from encryption to the way it manages user data.
There’s no need to take the developer’s word for it—you can see exactly how your data is protected as long as you have the necessary technical expertise. Knowing that the same app I use for private journaling, work notes, and 2FA tokens is openly audited gives me confidence that my data isn’t being mishandled behind the scenes.
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Robust multi-platform support with excellent sync
Access 2FA codes across platforms
One of the biggest frustrations with many authenticator apps is moving your codes between devices and accessing them on different devices. Some authenticator apps, like Authy, allow you to run the app on multiple devices for convenience. However, most authenticator apps still limit you to one device at a time. And even those with multiple device support only have mobile apps—you can’t access your codes on your laptop or desktop.
With Standard Notes, I don’t have to worry because it has excellent multi-platform support. It has apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux, and it syncs both notes and 2FA codes across platforms almost instantaneously. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the best note-taking apps with flawless syncing. Even better, it provides a web app, from which you can access your notes and 2FA codes.
That means I can access 2FA tokens regardless of the device I’m using. This makes it possible to log in securely no matter which device I’m using, without worrying about being locked out if one device fails or goes missing.
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It combines notes and 2FA in one secure place
It handles both flawlessly
One of the most significant advantages of using Standard Notes as an authenticator is that it combines two essential functions—note-taking and two-factor authentication—into a single, secure hub. Instead of juggling different apps for jotting down ideas, managing tasks, and generating two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, I get all three in one secure environment.
That means one less app to install, which might not sound like much, but it’s a meaningful step toward reducing digital clutter on my devices. The concept of using the built-in authenticator in your notes app might sound less secure, but in Standard Notes’ case, it’s secure. This is because Standard Notes encrypts your data end-to-end (more below), and it applies the same level of protection to both your notes and authentication codes.
In fact, in Standard Notes, your notes and authentication codes live side by side since authenticator functionality is a type of note in the app. The authenticator feature in Standard Notes allows you to store your 2FA secrets within the app in encrypted notes.
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End-to-end encryption protects your 2FA tokens
Your notes and 2FA tokens are secure at all times
Security is only as strong as the weakest link, and when it comes to two-factor authentication, protecting your tokens is important. With Standard Notes, every note, file, and 2FA token you store is secured using end-to-end encryption. As such, no one can access your data, not even the company itself, which makes Standard Notes one of the best privacy apps on the market.
With end-to-end encryption, you’re also assured that even if the company is compromised in any way, your data and 2FA codes remain secure. The app uses your password to generate the encryption key that is used to secure your data locally before it’s uploaded to its servers.
It doesn’t access your unencrypted password, and the consequence of this model is that Standard Notes can’t help you reset or recover your password if you lose it. In practice, this ensures your 2FA codes are shielded against breaches, leaks, or unauthorized access.
The best way to handle 2FA
Using Standard Notes as my authenticator app sounds unconventional at first, but it’s proven to be both practical and secure. Instead of juggling different apps for taking notes and 2FA codes, you get the two features in one app, which is convenient.
The best part is that the feature is easy to set up and use, and I don’t have to worry about security because all my notes and 2FA codes are secured end-to-end. If you already use Standard Notes, the built-in authenticator is worth it. It won’t be for everyone, especially since the feature is part of the paid plan. However, if you’re already a subscriber, it’s worth using.
