How to transfer Google authentication codes to a new phone

Using two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is a great way to ensure the security of your Google Account. This additional layer of protection uses a mobile device that provides a randomly generated key that augments your password.

Nowadays, most users update their mobile devices frequently. If you have 2FA enabled, it may be difficult to log in to all of your accounts. In this article, we’ll show you how to transfer Google Authenticator codes to a new phone to allow you to continue using 2FA functionality.

Transfer Google Authenticator from an old phone

First of all, don’t remove Google Authenticator from your old phone. You will need it if you want to transfer the codes easily. If you have a new mobile device and want to transfer the authenticator, follow the steps below:

Using phone to phone transfer on an Android

1. Install Google Authenticator on your new device. You can download it for free from Google Play Store.
   
2. On your old phone, open the Authenticator application.
   
3. Play the three points in the upper right corner of the screen.
   
4. Tap on Transfer accounts.
   
5. Tap on Export accounts.
   
6. Verify your identity.
7. Choose the account information you want to transfer from the list.
   
8. Tap on Next.
   
9. On your new phone, tap the same three dots icon.
   
10. Tap on Transfer accounts.
    
11. Tap on Import accounts.
    
12. Tap on Scan QR code.
    
13. Use your new phone to scan the code.
14. Tap on Made on both devices.
    

How to install Google Authenticator using a 2-step verification code

Using the Google website on Android, iPhone or iPad:

1. Install Google Authenticator for your new device. Download it from the Google Play store or the Apple App Store.
   
2. Next, you’ll need to open Google’s 2-Step Verification enrollment page. This is easier on a computer, if only for convenience, but you can do it using your phone or tablet, as well as your web browser on these devices.
   
3. Sign in with the Google account whose codes you want to transfer.
4. Scroll down the two-step verification page and then click change phone on the Authentication Application tab.
   
5. Select the operating system version of your device, whether it is Android or iPhone.
   
6. Click on Next.
   
7. On your new phone, open the Authenticator application.
   
8. You will now see two options to activate the Authenticator. Scan the barcode or enter the security key. If your device can scan a barcode, choose that option on both your new phone and on the 2-Step Verification enrollment page.
   
9. Scan the code or enter the key. You will receive an urgent code that you must enter on the registration page.
10. Once the code is entered, the setup will be complete.
    

This first step has now transferred your Google Authenticator from one phone to another, but this is only for your Google account. If you have used the authenticator as a 2FA verification tool for other sites, you will need to transfer them one by one. That’s why it’s essential that you don’t delete your old verification app.

Most websites will have their 2FA settings under security, so remove the old two-factor protection and set up another one using your new device.

Please note that you will be prompted for a backup login option when you set up two-factor authentication for the first time or activate it after removing it. Choose Use another backup option instead of a text message or phone call. This is if you lose your phone and need to log into your account to disable the old 2FA. Download or print the codes provided and keep them safe.

What happens if I lose my old phone or it is stolen?

Losing or stealing your phone is why you should not use text or voice messages as backup login options. The probability of this happening is quite high and may mean that your account will be blocked.

You can choose from several options to backup your account login:

Downloaded or printed backup login codes

1. Log in to your account using the codes provided. Please note that each of the ten codes provided can be used only once per login, so you should change your authentication device as soon as possible. Additionally, turning Google 2FA off and then back on gives you a different set of codes each time.
2. Follow the steps above to transfer the authenticator from one device to another.

Has a second step verification message

1. Sign in to your account with your password and your second step verification.
2. Open the two-step verification enrollment page.
   
3. Scroll down and find the security key on your old phone. Next to that security key, click Edit.
   
4. Click on Delete this key.
   
5. Select OK.
   
6. Install a new security key using your new phone by clicking Add security key and then follow the instructions provided.

You don’t have a second step or you don’t remember your password

1. Go to Google Account recovery page.
2. Enter your account name.
   
3. Click on Next.
   
4. You will then be asked several questions to verify your identity.

Here are some important tips to remember when recovering an account:

• Try recovering your account from a device or location you used to log in before.
• If you remember your password, make sure you have entered it correctly and that Caps Lock is not on. Try to answer security passwords as accurately as possible.
• When prompted for the last password you remember for that account, try your best to guess it.
• If you have a backup email connected to the account, enter it now.
• Add helpful details about why you can’t access your account.
• Check your Spam folder for Google responses. Sometimes they are sent there.

It usually takes three to five business days to resolve your issue. Once you are logged into your account, replace the 2FA settings as detailed in the steps above.

Additional FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions during discussions about 2FA and Google authentication codes:

How do I reset Google Authenticator?

Turning off your Google Authenticator and then turning it back on is essentially a reset, since the codes you receive are unique each time. Try not to do this too often, as resetting the authenticator on your Google account does not reset it for other third-party sites that also use the authenticator.

How do I enable 2FA on more than one device?

Multiple devices can be used for the same authenticator by scanning the same QR code during the initial 2FA setup. Install the Google Authenticator app on all the devices you want to use, and then continue with the steps above.

When prompted to scan the QR code, use as many devices as you like one by one. Once this is done, any of the setup devices will receive prompts that can be used to verify account logins.

How do I backup Google Authenticator?

You can back up Google Authenticator during setup. As suggested above, backup codes can be used to restore your old authenticator.

Another method is to take a screenshot of the QR code displayed on the screen during setup and save it in a safe place. When setting up a new phone, scan the saved QR code to set up the same authenticator.

How do I link Google Authenticator?

This is different for each website that uses Google Authenticator as a 2FA method. Most will have the settings on their security page. Open said page on the website and search Google. Authenticator.

You should be provided with a QR code which can now be scanned with the Google Authenticator app. The app will then generate a six-digit code that you can send to the website’s Google Authenticator input box. Once the website verifies the code, your Authenticator will be linked to the website.

How do I restore my authenticator app?

If you saved the backup codes or previous QR image, restoring your Google Authenticator is just a matter of reinstalling the app and then entering one of the security keys or rescanning the QR code.

How do I add an authenticator?

If you want to set up a Google Authenticator for your account, follow these steps:

• Open your Google account.

• In the left menu, click Security.

• Scroll down until you find the Sign in to Google tab. Click 2-Step Verification.

• You will now see the 2FA settings menu. Follow the steps above to add an authenticator.

Foolproof protection

Google Authenticator is a secure way to protect yourself from common hacking attempts to obtain your private information. Knowing how to transfer Authenticator from one device to another ensures that you will remain protected even when you replace your old devices.

Have you had any experience transferring your Google Authenticator codes to a new phone? Share your thoughts in the comments p below.