Another Authentication method besides sms

[RN2701]

I am wondering if public mobile will change or add another authentication method such as Microsoft authenticator that is more 'Safe' and reliable. Because once there are no sms ability ( eg. got sim swap or hacked ) there are no way to sign into the account at all.

[softech]

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@johnH4439 wrote:

Why not authenticator app? What is the holdup?

Good enough for banks, stock brokerages, corporate login/email etc., but not good enough for carriers.

Perhaps they have to give up something to google - like customer info?

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@johnH4439 

you know how many major Canadian bank uses Microsoft or Google Authenticator app?  NONE
The only major Canadian bank uses Authenticator app is TD, but it uses its own TD Authenticator.  
Banks like Scotia and National Bank use their own banking app for approval.

In fact, only small Canadian banks or financial platform uses Google/Microsoft Authenticator, like Canadian Western Bank, Wealthsimple, Questrade, Interactive Brokers

And none of the major internet/cable provider use Google/Microsoft Authenticator 

So, to your surprise, it is still not "Good enough for banks", and definitely it is uncommon for Canadian mobile provider, internet/cable providers to use  Open TOTP (such as Google/Microsoft)

[Oscarkiai]

As of early 2026, Public Mobile also uses the EverSafe ID platform to manage security. They don't have a direct integration for third-party apps like Microsoft Authenticator just yet.  I've also shared below several ways to authenticate and make sure you aren't actually locked out if your SMS ability disappears:
1. The Email Fallback (The SIM Swap Solution)

If you ever lose SMS access, you aren't stuck. When you get to the 2FA screen:

• Click "Didn't get the code?" or "Resend Code."

• Select the option to Send to Email.

• This lets you bypass the phone requirement entirely using your registered email address.

2. Setting Up a "Trusted Device"

I recommend marking your primary computer or phone as a Trusted Device when you log in.

• Once it's trusted, the system skips the 2FA requirement on that specific device for a set period.

• This is your "emergency lane"—if your SIM is compromised, you can still get into your account from that trusted device to report the SIM as lost or stolen and stop the attacker's service immediately.

3. Using Biometric Authentication

If you use the Public Mobile app, I suggest enabling Face ID or Fingerprint login. This provides that "Safe" and reliable access you’re looking for because it’s tied to your physical device and your biometrics, rather than a network signal.

4. Managing EverSafe Settings

For a more proactive approach, you can actually remove your phone number as a 2FA option within your account:

1. Log in and go to your Profile.

2. Select Manage EverSafe ID.
3. You can set your email as your primary verification method. Since your email can be protected by its own strong 2FA (like Microsoft Authenticator), this effectively gives you the high-level security you’re asking for.

I hope this is helpful 🙂

[johnH4439]

Why not authenticator app? What is the holdup?

Good enough for banks, stock brokerages, corporate login/email etc., but not good enough for carriers.

Perhaps they have to give up something to google - like customer info?

[softech]

@RN2701 

At the moment, no Canadians mobile carrier use Authenticator app

For PM, there is the option to receive 2FA via SMS, email and Voicemail, which is same as most Canadian carrier.  I doubt there will be any changes