Moving Google Authenticator requires planning before you switch phones
Google Authenticator does not automatically sync your codes to a new device. When you get a new phone, you need to transfer your authenticator setup before you lose access to the old phone, or you risk being locked out of accounts that use two-factor authentication. The transfer process differs depending on whether you saved backup codes when you first set up Authenticator, and whether you still have access to your old phone.
The safest approach is to set up each account's two-factor authentication again on your new phone while you still have the old one. This takes more time but guarantees you will not lose access. If you saved backup codes during setup, you can use those to regain access to accounts even if the transfer fails.
Key Takeaways
- Google Authenticator stores codes only on your phone and does not back them up to the cloud, so you must transfer them manually.
- The fastest transfer method is to re-add each account to Authenticator on your new phone by scanning the original QR code again, which requires access to both phones at the same time.
- If you cannot access the original QR codes, you can use backup codes (if you saved them) to regain access to accounts and then re-enable two-factor authentication on the new phone.
- Backup codes are the safety net: save them in a find location when you first set up two-factor authentication, because they let you into your account even if you lose your phone.
Transfer by re-adding accounts while you have both phones
The most reliable method is to set up two-factor authentication again on your new phone using the same QR codes or setup keys you used originally. This works because the QR code or setup key is what creates the codes—not the phone itself. When you scan the same code on a new phone, that phone will generate the same codes.
Start by opening Google Authenticator on your old phone. For each account listed, tap the three-dot menu next to the account name and select "Show setup key" or look for an option to display the QR code. On your new phone, open Google Authenticator and tap the plus sign to add an account. Choose "Enter a setup key" and type in the key from your old phone, or use "Scan a QR code" and photograph the QR code displayed on your old phone's screen. Repeat this for every account in your old Authenticator.
Once you have added all accounts to the new phone, verify that the codes match between both phones before you delete Authenticator from the old one. Open the same account on both phones and confirm the six-digit codes are identical. If they match, the transfer is complete and you can remove Authenticator from your old phone.
Use backup codes if you no longer have the old phone
If your old phone is lost, broken, or no longer accessible, backup codes are your way back into accounts protected by two-factor authentication. These are one-time codes that bypass the authenticator requirement. You should have received them when you first enabled two-factor authentication on each account—they are usually a list of 8 to 10 codes printed or displayed on screen.
To regain access to an account using a backup code, go to the login page and enter your username and password as usual. When prompted for your two-factor code, enter one of your backup codes instead. The account will let you in, and that backup code becomes used up. Once you are logged in, go to your account's security settings and disable two-factor authentication temporarily, then re-enable it on your new phone with Google Authenticator.
If you did not save your backup codes and cannot access your old phone, contact the account provider's support team. Most services (Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and others) have account recovery processes that can verify your identity through email, phone number, or security questions, then let you set up two-factor authentication again on a new device.
Where to find setup keys and QR codes for common accounts
The process to display your setup key or QR code varies by service. For Google accounts, sign in to myaccount.google.com, go to Security in the left menu, scroll to "How you sign in to Google," and select "Authenticator app." You will see an option to change your phone. For Microsoft accounts, go to account.microsoft.com, select "Security" in the left menu, and find "Advanced security options," then "Two-step verification." For Apple, go to appleid.apple.com, select "Security," and look for "Two-factor authentication" or "App-specific passwords."
For other services like Amazon, Facebook, GitHub, or your bank, log into your account and search the settings for "two-factor authentication," "2FA," or "security keys." Most services display the QR code or setup key in the same place where you originally enabled two-factor authentication. If you cannot find it, look for a "change device" or "set up on a new device" option.
Saving backup codes for future phone changes
When you first set up two-factor authentication on any account, the service displays backup codes on screen. These are usually 8 to 10 single-use codes that work if you lose access to your authenticator. Write them down or take a screenshot and store them somewhere find—a password manager, a locked drawer, or a find note app. Do not store them in the same place as your passwords, and do not leave them on your phone where they could be lost with the device.
Backup codes are not optional insurance—they are your only way back into an account if your phone is lost and you do not have access to the original QR code. Services like Google, Microsoft, and Apple will ask you to confirm you have saved them before you finish setting up two-factor authentication. If you skipped this step, you can usually regenerate the codes by going back to your two-factor authentication settings and selecting "generate new backup codes" or "view backup codes."
What to do if you lose access to an account during transfer
If you deleted Authenticator from your old phone before setting it up on your new one, or if you cannot remember your backup codes, you are not permanently locked out. Every service that uses two-factor authentication has an account recovery process. Go to the login page and look for a link like "Can't sign in?" or "Forgot your password?" or "Need help signing in?" Click it and follow the prompts.
The recovery process usually asks you to verify your identity through a recovery email address, a phone number on file, or security questions you set up when you created the account. Once verified, the service will let you disable two-factor authentication temporarily so you can log in. Then you can set up Google Authenticator again on your new phone and re-enable two-factor authentication. This process takes longer than a smooth transfer, but it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Google Authenticator codes without the QR code or setup key?
No. Google Authenticator does not store codes in a way that lets you export them without the original QR code or setup key. If you do not have access to either, your only option is to use a backup code to regain access to the account, then set up two-factor authentication again from scratch on your new phone.
What if the codes on my old phone and new phone do not match?
Codes should match within a few seconds because they are time-based. If they do not match at all, you entered the setup key incorrectly or scanned the wrong QR code. Delete the account from your new phone and try again, making sure you are copying the exact setup key or scanning the correct QR code.
Can I use Google Authenticator on multiple phones at the same time?
Yes. You can add the same account to Authenticator on as many phones as you want by using the same setup key or QR code. All phones will generate the same codes at the same time. This is useful if you want a backup phone, but remember that if one phone is stolen, someone could access all your accounts.
Do I need to tell my bank or email provider that I am switching phones?
No. Two-factor authentication is tied to the codes themselves, not to a specific phone. As long as you transfer the setup key or QR code to your new phone, your accounts will work normally. You only need to contact support if you lose access and cannot use a backup code.
What happens to my old backup codes after I transfer to a new phone?
Backup codes remain valid until you use them or until you regenerate new ones. If you have old backup codes from your original setup, they still work on your new phone. You can generate new backup codes at any time through your account's security settings if you want a fresh set.