Google offers a freetwo - factor authentication appcalled Authenticator . The app is available on both Android and iOS smartphones and is totally gratuitous with no advert or in - app leverage . Google ’s 2FA app is notoriously mere . In fact , they kept the UI elbow room too bare and forget to tot up a way to move Google Authenticator data , the scanned code , to another telephone set safely . Until recently that is , there was no agency to move or transfer Google Authenticator code to a Modern sound .
Move Google Authenticator to New Phone
Google recently updated its Android version of the Authenticator app to tally a means to spell and exportation existing scanned 2FA codes to a fresh phone . This is a welcome sign because other apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Authy both support this feature . They have had it for a long time now .
On the flip side , the Io app for iPhone and iPad is still missing the transference feature . There is no news show from Google ’s end on when they will bring it to their Android similitude . Until the update arrives , it has become well-fixed to transplant Authenticator from Android to Android but the same ca n’t be said when it comes to iOS to Io or between Android and iOS in either direction .
Here is how the whole thing play .
Also Read : How to Use Android Phone to Verify Google Sign in on iOS Using 2SV
Move Authenticator from Android to Android Phones
spread out theAuthenticatorapp on your new Android phone and you will be greeted with a help screen that explains how Google Authenticator exercise . You will then be ask whether you need to transfer accounts . If you do n’t see that cover by default and are taken to master screen , just beg on the three - dot card icon to take transfer of training report option .
Tap on Import accounts here if you need to move 2FA codes from previous earpiece to this phone and tap on Export account if you want to move 2FA codes from an previous phone to a new earpiece . Let ’s examine both options one at a sentence .
You will be asked to enter your smartphone parole at this point for security reasons so no one can export data to their headphone without your permission . It is not now vindicated what this projection screen means because they do n’t say get in telephone password here or anything . Just a blank field . I wasted a few moment by come in Google account password alternatively . You ca n’t take screenshots of this CRT screen either , again for security ground .
You should now see a list of all the accounts that are hive away in your Authenticator app . pick out the unity that you require to move to the new phone and select Next . Download and install Google Authenticator app on your novel earphone and glance over the QR codification that you see on your old phone at this gunpoint . All selected 2FA codes will be transferred from your old phone to the new one once you nail the scan automatically .
On the Modern phone , you will select the options > Transfer chronicle > significance account option and not tap the plus icon to rake a new QR code like you unremarkably do . Those two QR codes options are not the same .
Also Read : Authy vs Google Authenticator – Which one is Better ?
Understanding Security Aspect
Unlike some other 2FA apps , Google entrepot all data topically on your sound in encrypted data format so that it is secure and secure . Even if your telephone is recede , stolen , or compromised , this data can not be say . you’re able to and should pass over data point from your phone usingGoogle rule My Deviceapp uncommitted on the Play Store .
Because the information is not stored online in the cloud on a outside host , it never stays in sync on two devices at the same . While it can be a picayune troublesome for some of you , it is actually a good deal more safer . For instance , when you skim a 2FA codification in Authy on one twist , it will automatically appear on another twist where you have instal Authy . While Authy encrypts datum too and takes a lot of caution , the data is still in the cloud and is moving through server .
Moving 2FA codes this room is more tedious and manual in nature but take less than a minute and is safer and more secure .
Also Read : How to Login to Google Account without Verification Code
Move Authenticator from iOS to iOS on iOS to Android, and Vice Versa
The Authenticator app will show a short subject matter in blue background that says ‘ Accounts were latterly exported ’ the next clock time you launch the app . you may also view a list of all imports and exportation under Recent activity . It contain more details like bit of accounts imported / exported , particular date and fourth dimension of the action , and Google email ID of the Authenticator explanation . You will also find a link to reset 2 - footfall confirmation on your Google story if you believe it has been compromised .
The iOS version of the Google Authenticator app is still missing the Transfer account feature film . I desire it comes along soon because I myself need to protect myself from next mishap by keeping all 2FA code on two separate devices . The probability of me lose both the phone at the same time is pretty slim .
Pro Tip : Use your sometime , spare smartphone and install Authenticator app on that to further reduce chance of losing access to 2FA code and getting locked out of your own account to zero . Keep it in your agency or habitation for guardianship .
Right now , you will have to sign in to each and every news report that you have using ID , password , and 2FA code and re - scan the 2FA codes manually on the new phone . That will take removing 2FA security from the said account after you ratify in , enable it back again , and re - scanning the QR codification from the new phone .
Google has not share any timeline on when they are fail to press the new update so it is anyone ’s guess .
Also Read:6 Best 2FA Apps and Security Key Devices to sign in Securely Anywhere
Smart Hack to Backup 2FA Codes
Just take a screenshot of the QR code and save it somewhere safe . you may either cypher the information , stash away it inside Microsoft OneDrive Personal Vault which will write in code and protect it for you , or simply take a printout and stack away it offline . Either way , you now have the actual QR code in your hand and can scan it anytime you want with any 2FA app you wish . Of course , save relief codes safely is the traditional fashion most people go .
Wrapping Up: Move Authenticator to New Phone
The cognitive process of transferring Authenticator app from Android to Android is super simple and prosperous . It will take less than a bit . iPhone and iPad users are not in chance but soon , I believe a solution will present itself . You just have to be patient . Till then , either expend your one-time phone , re - scan all codes , or move over to an app like Authy .
