What is Base32?
Base32 encodes bytes using 32 case-insensitive characters — the format of 2FA secrets. Learn how it differs from Base64.
Base32 is an encoding that represents binary data using 32 characters (A–Z and 2–7). It is what authenticator-app secrets are written in, chosen because it is case-insensitive and avoids easily-confused characters.
Base32 vs Base64
Base64 packs data denser (6 bits per character) but uses mixed case plus + and /, which are error-prone to type and unsafe in some contexts. Base32 uses only uppercase letters and digits 2–7 (5 bits per character), so it is longer but far easier for a human to read aloud or type — ideal for a 2FA secret you might enter by hand.
Where you see it
TOTP secrets, some file-sharing links, and systems that need human-transcribable identifiers use Base32. If you have ever typed a 2FA setup key manually, you typed Base32.
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