How to migrate Google Authenticator 2FA to a new mobile phone

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If you’re switching to a new phone and use Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, you must transfer these codes to your new device. The 2FA codes are linked to your current phone, so if you lose or damage it, simply downloading the app on a new phone isn’t enough; you also have to transfer the 2FA codes.

Moving your Google Authenticator’s 2FA settings to a new phone is crucial to keep your online accounts secure during the switch. This process includes several important steps to ensure you can access your accounts that have 2FA enabled.

First, download the Google Authenticator app on your new phone. Head to the app store on your new device, search for Google Authenticator, and then download and install it.

Transfer 2FA codes by syncing with your Google account

To move your 2FA codes from an old phone to new one, you first need to connect your old phone’s Google Authenticator app to your Google account. Then, do the same on your new phone to transfer the codes. Follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Google Authenticator app.
  2. Check for a cloud icon with a green checkmark next to your profile in the top right – this means it’s linked to your Google account. If it’s a gray cloud with a slash, it’s not connected.
  3. To stop syncing, tap your profile icon. Choose Use without an account from the menu.
  4. A message will pop up asking if you want to proceed without an account. Tap Continue. This will unlink your codes from your Google account and all other devices, keeping them only on your current device.
  5. To sync again, tap the person icon at the top right (it appears once you’re not syncing). Choose the account you want to sync with.
  6. A confirmation pop-up will appear, asking if you want to start saving codes to this account. Click Allow.

Transfer 2FA codes by manually exporting and then importing them

If you don’t want to use sync to move your 2FA codes, the simplest way is to use the Authenticator app’s transfer feature to transfer your keys from one phone to another. This method depends on two main things:

  1. You can access both your old and new phones.
  2. You’re staying on the same platform (either iOS or Android).

Transfer Your Authenticator Keys on Android

  1. Download Google Authenticator on your new phone.
  2. Click Get started.
  3. Choose Scan a QR code. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code.
  4. Open Google Authenticator on your old phone.
  5. Click the three dots at the top right and choose Transfer accounts.
  6. Click Export accounts. You might have to confirm your identity.
  7. Deselect any accounts you don’t want to transfer. Click Next.
  8. A QR code will show up. Scan it with your new phone.
  9. Your accounts should now appear in Google Authenticator on your new phone. (Note: This won’t remove the accounts from your old phone.)

Transfer Your Authenticator Keys on iOS

  1. Download Google Authenticator on your new iPhone.
  2. Click Get Started.
  3. Choose Scan a QR code. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code.
  4. Open Google Authenticator on your old iPhone.

    5. li>Click the three dots at the bottom right and choose Transfer accounts.

  5. Click Export accounts. You might need to confirm your identity.
  6. Deselect any accounts you don’t want to transfer. Click Next.
  7. A QR code will show up. Scan it with your new iPhone.
  8. Your accounts should now appear in Google Authenticator on your new phone. (Note: This won’t remove the accounts from your old phone.)

Additional Methods

Option 1: Use Your Backup Codes

Upon initially configuring Google Authenticator, you’ll likely receive a series of backup codes with instructions to either print them out or securely save them. Storing these codes is imperative; consider printing and placing them in a secure location, or alternatively, creating a PDF to keep them safe. Should your phone ever be lost or sustain damage, having these codes intact enables you to restore authentication on a new device, assuming they haven’t been lost.

In case you missed the opportunity to generate your backup codes during the setup process, you can still obtain them by adhering to the following guidelines:

  1. Go to your Google account and click on Security in the left-hand column.
  2. Scroll down to and select 2-Step Verification. You will likely need to enter your password.
  3. Scroll down to Backup Codes and click on Show Codes.
  4. You will see a list of 10 codes. Each code can be used once; if you use them all, you can get more by clicking on Show Codes and then on Get New Codes.

Option 2: Take a Screenshot of the Barcode

An effective technique to create a backup in case your phone is lost is to take and save a screenshot of the barcode given for each app protected by two-factor authentication. If you’re missing your backup codes but have a screenshot of the QR barcode used for the app’s initial authentication, you can use this image to recover your account on a new device.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Display the screenshot of the barcode on your computer.
  2. Install Google Authenticator on your new phone.
  3. Open the app and tap the plus (+) sign to add a new account.
  4. Select Scan a QR code and scan the barcode from the screenshot.
  5. If you saved the setup key code instead of a screenshot, you can also enter that manually.

Repeat this process for each of your apps, and you’ll be all set.

Additional Recommendations

  • Regular Backups: Regularly update and back up your 2FA codes to ensure you always have the latest version.
  • Security Practices: Use strong passwords, enable 2FA on your Google account, and review account activity regularly.
  • Device Security: Secure your new device with a strong password or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access.

By following these steps and recommendations, you can efficiently manage and transfer your Google Authenticator 2FA codes while maintaining high security.

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