How to Transfer Google Authenticator to a New Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Today with increased cybercrimes and threats, securing your online accounts & data becomes more essential and critical than ever. However, with Google Authenticator the same task seems easier and reliable.

But what happens when you get a new phone? Well, no problem, with this article, you’ll come to know how to transfer Google Authenticator to new phone with simple steps to access and secure your data on a new device.

Why Transfer Google Authenticator?

When you get a new smartphone, transferring Google Authenticator is important to continue access to your accounts. Codes generated on your old phone will no longer work and you’ll be locked out of all your accounts.

So as to maintain your account accessibility and security, transferring Google Authenticator is essential.

How to Transfer Google Authenticator to New Phone?

Having logged in to your Google account on the Google Authenticator app, the codes get automatically backed up and can be restored on any new device whenever you want.

However, this process might sometimes fail to work. So, in such a case, adopting an old-school method to manually transfer the Google authenticator to a new device is a way to go.

To do so, you’ll need:

• Old phone with the Google Authenticator codes.
• Your old device should have the latest version of the Google Authenticator app.
• New device.

After having the above things ready, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Install the Google Authenticator on Your New Device

First, download and install the Google Authenticator app on your new smartphone. When installed, launch the app.

Step 2: Head to the Import Accounts Section

On the app, tap on Get Started and log in with your credentials. After logging in, click on the Menu icon (i.e. three horizontal lines).

Then, select the option Transfer accounts>>Import accounts.

Step 3: Generate a QR Code on Your Old Device

Now, on your old phone, open the Google Authenticator app and go to Menu. Select the Transfer Accounts option on the menu and click on Export Accounts.

To export accounts, enter your phone password or PIN to verify that it’s you. Now, your phone will generate a QR code that stores the accounts you select.

Now, choose the accounts that you want to transfer and hit the Next button.

Step 4: Scan the QR Code & Move Google Authenticator to the New Phone

Click Scan the QR Code button on your new phone camera.

Now, scan the code. It is recommended to remove all exported accounts.

Once the code gets scanned, you’ll get a confirmation stating “Your accounts have successfully been transferred”.

That’s it!

Disable Google Authenticator on Your Old Phone

If you are going to give away or sell your old phone, you need to disable the Google Authenticator on it.

Here are the steps to perform:

• Open the Google Authenticator app.
• View and note down the accounts for which you have set up 2 FA.
• Now, visit each listed account’s website. Look for its 2 FA settings, and disable it.
• Then, visit the Google Authenticator app again and tap on the Menu icon.
• Choose the Settings>>Accounts.

• Lastly, click on each account and remove it.

Tips to keep your Google Authenticator Codes & Accounts Secure

Securing your Google Authenticator codes and accounts is essential to maintaining your online privacy and preventing unauthorized access to your sensitive information. Here’s how to secure your Google Authenticator codes and accounts:

• Strong PIN or password: Make sure that your phone PIN or password is strong enough to protect your device from unauthorized access when stolen or lost. We recommend you use biometric authentication such facial recognition or fingerprint as an alternative to add an extra security layer.
• Regularly update: Regular updates keep your phone benefitted from the latest security patches and bug fixes.
• Secure codes with backup: Create a backup of your authenticator codes to ensure extra protection and easy restoration.
• Encrypt device data: Encrypt your device storage to protect the data from being readable by an unauthorized individual, if somehow the device gets accessed.
• Secure your accounts with unique passwords: Consider using complex or unique passwords to protect your online accounts. Avoid using general or common passwords such as birthdays or names of your dear ones.
• Use 2FA for sensitive accounts: Prefer using 2FA to secure your sensitive accounts such as banking, email, social media, and others. This will provide an added layer of security.
• Be cautious while taking screenshots: Avoid taking screenshots of your 2FA QR codes or codes displayed on your device. This will give access to your accounts or data to the person who opens your gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

What is Google Authenticator, and how does it work?

Google Authenticator is a 2FA app that provides an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It works on time-based one-time passcodes (TOTPs) to log in, along with your password. These codes get expire after a short time, enhancing your account's security.

Can I transfer Google Authenticator from Android to iOS or vice versa?

Yes, you can transfer Google Authenticator between different devices. The transfer process remains the same for both the Android and iOS devices.

Can I use multiple devices with Google Authenticator?

No, you cannot use multiple devices with Google Authenticator as it is primarily designed for a single device. However, you can go for its alternative apps such as Authy, LastPass, and Microsoft Authenticator which support multiple devices. It makes it easier to switch between devices or use 2FA on multiple devices.

Conclusion

Now, with this brief guide, changing phones is no longer hectic work as you can easily transfer Google Authenticator to a new phone to continue accessing your accounts on it.