How to Migrate Google Authenticator 2FA Codes (but first, do this...)

[@luishaddock1979]

This helped out a lot, I am currently using an app that I put google authenticator as a 2FA, but my fear was what if one day there's a fire at my house and all my electronics die. It did not occur to me that I could have just taken a picture of the QR code and saved it in multiple places. It made me do a little research on QR codes and I learned that they do not expire

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it was useful, Luis!

[@Neustocks]

Thank you for the info. I found the part where you describe how to enter the same seed code on multiple devices, the most useful. That seed code is the most important part for maintaining app neutrality.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it was useful!

[@billshinas27]

@@AllThingsSecured Hi, great video, I have an amazon seller account and cannot get in that account without 2FA codes, so I can't really get into the settings for any security changes, anyway around that, thanks.

[@kpopempire1475]

Android WILL NOT allow you to take a screenshot of the exported 2FA codes. You will get a message saying screenshots are not allowed.

[@fidelquintela7128]

Confirmed on my Pixel 3. "Taking screenshots isn't allowed by your app or organization." I still exported to my tablet as a backup. Great video.

[@sasukexnaruxsakura]

take another tablet or phone and back up the QR code (I took a picture of it and then using a screenshot. I tested it and it works). I did that and I kept it back up. I also have it on a my tablet as back up.

[@TimothyLowe]

Good video - Cannot stress how important it is to back these up. If you manage to smash your phone and this is not backed up you are going to have one heck of a time getting back into some of the apps or services!!!

[@Manticore1960]

Thanks for the tutorial. Covers a lot of questions that I had about backing up to another phone. Didn't think about using my backup phone when presented with the QR code originally, but your tutorial shows how easily it can be done afterwards. The options on my AndroidOne phone were slightly different, but still able to follow. Worked a treat. Cheers!

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it worked for you!

[@NL-fg6it]

@@AllThingsSecured Would using a family member's phone work too?

[@svr2102]

Hey Man!! Keeping making amazing contents like these. So,I have got couple of questions.. 1)Which 2fa app do you use? I use Authy!! Authy is ok right? 2) Take for a instance,I am migrating to a new phone..So while setting up the new phone,I must login to my gmail right!. Having 2fa enabled via authy,In the authentication page can I choose to an another method ( i.e receive code via OTP) for login or my only way of getting in is via code from AUTHY?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Yes! Authy is great, but you still need to make sure you have your backup codes. When you're logging into any account where you have previously set up 2FA the only way to get access is via the 2FA methods you have already set up. That could be SMS, authentication apps or a physical 2FA key. But they can't verify you using a method you haven't already set up. Make sense?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Were you able to successfully migrate your 2FA codes from one device to another? If you have more questions, leave a comment below, and I recommend you consider using 2FA keys instead. Watch this tutorial to learn how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKu4h6WwZc6rpJo

[@AllThingsSecured]

Nice work! I try to avoid anything having to do with rooting or jail breaking. I’ve done it in the past, but I usually don’t recommend it.

[@cyberhunter6300]

i formatted my phone without exporting codes . is there any way to get the codes back i am not able to log in the sites ? help please

[@kaushiks87]

Thanks for the tutorial. I was going to trade my phone tomorrow for a new one and luckily stumbled upon your video.

[@ak49mitchell]

Hmmm, are you saying that you're completely tanked if your smart phone is lost/stolen (and 2FA not backed up)? Does that also mean one is not able to access your account (twitter in your example) from a new device unless you did 2FA backup? I'm a big fan of your work, learned a lot from you.

[@jlmoney09]

at 3:44 when your scanning code to new device it says. Setup your first account and you say to "scan QR code" but what about the option at the bottom of the google authenticator that says " import existing account" what would be the difference between these two? Thanks for the great video.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Excellent catch. The answer is that it's exactly the same. If you click on "Import Existing Account" on the bottom, it will simply tell you to export your accounts - just like I'm telling you to do here - and then allow you to scan the QR code. It's the same.

[@mohdsakibsaifi]

I didn't know it doesn't sync with google so I lost my few accounts, thankfully I kept backup codes however I don't have some of them.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Ugh, so sorry to hear that! Glad you had the backup codes for most of the accounts, though.

[@ricdonato4328]

Thank you. Not understanding Google's technique for backing up Google Authenticator I have been using Microsoft Authenticator app. Your information is very useful.

[@CyberMedics]

Thanks for explaining the Google Authenticator export. I find the MS Authenticator to be much better because it will do a cloud backup on iOS or Android. New device...no problem just restore and your done. Great presentation!

[@daninumbers]

I was thinking of what if my phone broke due to being quite old and this was one of the problems, the authenticator. Screenshot says is disabled as it's "protected by drm" so I'd have to do it with a different phone I guess.

[@NEO-oo9vh]

If I wanted to export some of my codes to a different device . Would my orignail devices codes be deleted ? Or can we keep them on that phone as well . I’m trying to add my QR codes to have on 2 devices but I set up the one device already

[@luisluiscunha]

You do the world a good service. I have to be selective to channels I subscribe to, because there is so much information out there: but I am glad I am subscribed to yours. Thank you.

[@shawnbenn]

Great video. Do you suggest to backup it in Authy in the same phone or on another phone? I think that to have the backup on another phone is better. what do you think?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Definitely more safe to backup in a different phone. My suggestion (and what I do) is to keep the backup codes in a place other than my phone. Or, in the case of Google Authenticator, the backup QR code.

[@J-Cardozo]

Google authenticator don't allow to screenshot anymore, I tried to record the screen... Doesn't work. Any tip ?

[@gothicangel8917]

Thank you for this great video but I have a question, what to do if your phone that contains a copy of The google authenticator is stolenI think your phone's going to show the codes at the same time as the robber? It means the stolen phone will make the robber see the codes as well.

[@pwsoultrainn4090]

Maybe you can reset your google authenticator if other phone stolen or dont install on other phone just copy the QR code and hold offline .. not sure myself as i have never done this process ... good luck

[@Derpled]

so if i wanna have google authenticator and authy at the same time i gotta redo my 2fa? if i only use authy atm

[@AllThingsSecured]

Usually yes, you’ll have to redo both at the same time.

[@techbyte.c]

How i mistakenly uninstall my 2FA , how do I get them back

[@Soorya15Aarya]

Hi, Please let me know How can I get my crypto account verification codes. It was in my old phone and old phone had factory settings.. can’t find my 2 factor Authentication cods

[@JamiesGrin]

Just incase anyone runs into the same issue as me, make sure the app is updated, some features like transferring wont be there if not.

[@patricktthompson3606]

My question is the barcode you have to scan it with another phone to see your code number

[@Andre_2099]

Thank you! I wasn’t sure I could have Google Authenticator on my iPad at the same time as my phone! But I think I’ll migrate to Authy :)

[@AllThingsSecured]

Sounds good!

[@rushankshah9185]

Is there any option for the same in Microsoft Authenticator?

[@AllThingsSecured]

You can sync Microsoft Authenticator between devices, so there's no need for this QR code switch. By the way, how did you find this video? It's currently unlisted.

[@rushankshah9185]

@@AllThingsSecured Oh. That backup feature right? Got it. Thanks! Also, the video is too good and since I saw your first video on security I have subscribed you! You are so unbiased and provide quality content. Thanks for helping us all in this process of data privacy and protection! Always waiting for your next videos😊

[@rushankshah9185]

@@AllThingsSecured It's there on a playlist named Tips for Staying Secure.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Ha! Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for sharing 😂

[@rdvgraaff]

This is very helpful. I recently learnt how to do go about this the hard way after trading in my iphone with Apple. The icloud backup will back everything up except your 2fa apps and codes. Luckily I was logged in the websites and services I used on several devices and was able to change the 2fa authentication to my new phone. Thank you!

[@yvonneherbst4708]

Thank you for this video. It made it so easy to understand what I need to do to backup my Google Authenticator codes for my peace of mind.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Great! 👍🏻

[@tobiasfa6714]

Google Auth Export is unencrypted protobuff marshalled Data. You can unmarshal that data to a struct. I think Google Authenticator need to add aes encryption by encrypt the protobuff packets with a symmetric password. So you need the password for import in your new Google Auth app on different phone. If someone is screenshoting your QR Code he have the 2FA Secrets.

[@Deltacasper]

The problem I have is that I don't have a second device to migrate the codes to at the moment - since I will be reinstalling the existing device, thus it seems quite risky to me. Any suggestions to feel confident in this?

[@Pinefenario]

Nice videos about online security! Question: Since you have an iPhone why don’t you use Apple’s keychain for both password and 2fa management? I guess you have devices from other vendors like a Windows or linux pc? What are your thoughts on Apple keychain from the perspective of a security expert?

[@AB-ye3nf]

What if the Authenticator app on old device is an older version? Can the older version be updated and then these steps followed? Because the 3 dots with export option doesn’t exist in older google auth version

[@supalyftgaming1504]

I've done tried to scan the QR code about 600 times and every time I've tried to scan it on my new phone it does not come through at all.. any suggestions or help would be appreciated

[@fitry3073]

i can't do with my old phone number but my new phone have new number i still don't how to change it

[@Manoj-bf9xd]

Why do people say not to use Google Authentication for 2FA? Can anyone tell me what secured multi-factor authentication with biometric option I can use instead?

[@TheCryptonian2.0]

if i change my phone number on my phone will it affect my google or authy authenticator?

[@HugoGrilo]

Thanks! With your tutorial, i have succedded copied all the codes from my phone to the tablet ;)

[@AllThingsSecured]

Great! 👍🏻

[@muazuyakubu2982]

Thanks for the video. Please my question is how can I sign in my email address after I whipe off my phone, and forgot to turn off my 2fa paswd, please I need help I try all ways, but is not working. Thanks!

[@JK_JoshKelly]

Did you ever figure out a way cause I did the same thing

[@harag9]

Which 2fa app should I use. I see so many different vids say don't use X dont' use Y .... so which one should i use? at the moment I use MS authenticator. but again another vid saying don't use that one... It's so confusing.

[@leandrocellocco]

Now that Google Authenticator has been updated, how can I migrate data from one iPhone to another?

[@Rydia704]

Very helpful. Would you be able to do a video on Microsoft Authenticator app recovery?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have to look into that more 👍🏻

[@Rydia704]

@@AllThingsSecuredThanks :)

[@BF1GUN]

Thank you. Very clearly explained and worked perfectly.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad to hear it!!

[@xxgh0stxx615]

What should I do? I lost my phone. How can I log in using a new phone?

[@thomasjawel]

I want to move my accounts to another app but it won't let me make a screenshot

[@Fast_Eddie_]

What if someone doesn't have those 3 dots on google authenticator? I have an older version on an old iPhone 5 that isn't in service and it just shows a plus sign and a pen symbol

[@specialprojects7504]

It's a very informative video, but the question I have is, say if I have only one device with me at the moment and I want to authenticate some account, how do you use the Google Authenticator App to scan a QR code while on the same one device? Because it looks like in order to authenticate something on one device you would need a second device with a camera to scan that that QR code to authenticate it.

[@DFPercush]

If you're sticking with google authenticator, you'll have to use the "enter a setup key" option. On the website there should be an option to get a manual code, otherwise you'll have to use some other QR scanner app to extract the text. You can hang on to that manual code as well, as it will allow you to set up any other authenticator app for that account in the future. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

[@reubenmontgomery6291]

This is the most helpful video I've found on 2FA so thanks so much!

[@AllThingsSecured]

Thank you, Reuben!

[@discerningacumen]

I wanted to transfer all from Google Authenticator to another Autheticator app. This does NOT help!

[@futbot6677]

I dont see the 3 Points on my iphone? Any Ideas?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Look around anywhere for three dots or three bars. You're looking for some kind of menu option and it's slightly different based on what version of the app you use (or so it seems).

[@sandeepsatapathy9]

I tried exporting google authenticator QR codes in the 2FAS app android . It worked perfectly fine

[@glenlipkens6647]

My apps dont show export accounts when clicking on the 3 dots

[@amirshahz77]

Hi, On my old iPhone the google authenticator doesn't have the 3 dots on the top right to export account? I am stuck, any help is appreciated ????

[@AllThingsSecured]

That might be a problem. Can you update the app on that old phone or is that not possible?

[@foresterforester763]

Should I go ahead and activate and have service switched over to a new phone and then transfer authenticator codes? Or should I transfer codes first and then activate the new phone? (I assume its the first one and that I wont be able to download authenticator app on the new phone until activated- I just want to be a safe as possible about the process..)

[@AllThingsSecured]

You can create and save the QR code anytime, but it’s still a great idea to make the transfer and THEN wipe the old phone.

[@mr.boniato6402]

I added a new account on my iphone app, but it's not syncing with PC... what do I need to do?

[@johnhennigan1094]

Brilliant information I'm thick when it comes to tech.... thanks..

[@AllThingsSecured]

Ha! I’m sure you know more than you realize. Thanks for the comment, though, John!

[@PaoloSciarraOfficial]

In my authenticator app, there are not those three dots... not sure what to do...

[@giuseppepereira6194]

Thank you! A short and useful tutorial!

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alcoury7547]

After I hit Export accounts on my old phone, I get an "To export your accounts first verify its you" There is just a blue line there & under that is just a numbered keypad. Never seen this screen before, no way to do anything. I don't have a password with just numbers (Numbers & letters yes)

[@wah0wah]

4:04 nope, it works also with 2FAS App - that's the best way to transfer your codes from GA to 2FAS .

[@MXb7R]

So if i export my accounts and, screenshot the qr code get it printed, and y lost my phone then i scan the printed qr code with a New phone and there will be my account codes?, what if someone finds my phone they will have access to my 2fa codes or not or the codes will be removed the moment i scan the printed qr code with my New phone?

[@AllThingsSecured]

If you lost your phone and had the backup QR code, yes, you would be able to get your account codes. At that point, if you're worried about your lost phone, you can go into your accounts and change the 2FA so that the codes on the old phone would be useless.

[@rizwanajmal5976]

if i transfer accounts from 1 google authenticator to another and after successful transfer can i del google authenticator app from first mobile?

[@merle3858]

I opened the Google authenticator app on new phone from play Store and exported just one acc by scanning QR code from old device. However I have to go to play Store and find Google authenticator app each time in my new device to get the code I exported. Is this because I only exported one code and not all simultaneously that the Google authenticator app is not on my new device

[@vasiovasio]

Useful and objective video! Thank you!

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it was helpful, Radoslav!

[@Drizzt_Do_Entreri]

Hello. I have a question. I have used Google Authenticator on my desktop for a while now and I have the 16 digit codes for each application. When I try to install the 2FA on a program on my tablet, I use the 16 digit codes provided from the desktop version Google Authenticator but it gives me different 6 digit pass codes than my desktop. The apps on the tablet will work when I use the 6 digit codes from the desktop authenticator but not the tablet version as they do not match. I can't be at my desktop 24 hours a day and this is real frustrating. Have I done something wrong? Is there a way to to get them both in sync?

[@johnnyelramy3114]

hello its not working to me .every time I scan the old device it says "cannot interpret qr code " and I have an Android device.Do you know how to fix this problem?

[@xrpbold6264]

If I accidently uninstall my google authenticator but I have google authenticatór recovery key how can I get back my all account codes on new google authenticator?

[@benwilson8680]

can you or have you done a video for the situation of having to wipe your phone and need to recover your codes with not having another phone to scan the QR code pls

[@mervinbritanico8473]

Is there a way to retrieve your google authenticator access?. I recently upgraded my phone and forgot to back up this😭

[@kevinsalazar7164]

Where do u get the back up codes from ?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Your online account will give you the backup codes after you confirm that you've scanned the QR code correctly.

[@jamescyrilpalma917]

What if sir if the google authenticator uninstall and install again, the accounts inside will be gone or it's stay there

[@diederikmader2946]

Is there a reason why you suggest exporting to a different authentication app other than Google's? Is Googe Authenticator not save?

[@creativrss]

What if I add a new account on my first device, would I have to export it manually? Or it's gonna automatically sync the 2FA code to the second device?

[@corrywaddell9682]

I replied on a other video just before, I think this answers my question, but I'll just repeat my question on this in a Little more detail. I am not using it for Google account. Just for a App that needs Google authenticator. How many times can export the QR Code to other device is it as many times as you want as long as I have the QR Code ? Currently have 3 If there is a limit how do I access the devices to delete one or do I just delete the app off the device, thanks again

[@AllThingsSecured]

Hey Corry...the QR code doesn't expire, so you can use it as many times as you want. Just make sure you keep it safe because it's basically a master key for your 2FA.

[@jacenmccready4878]

so if i did a factory reset on my phone, lost my codes is therre a way to delete 2fa from an account? so that i could potencially re set it up?

[@taklimnurani4122]

help me!! I've ruined my first phone and I've used Google Authenticator apps for my Twitter 2fa. Unfortunately I don't link my apps to any of my Google account except only Twitter. Now I'm using my second phone. What should I do in order to get back my Twitter account? Thanks

[@artramirez3506]

Had to factory reset my Samsung phone and so I lost my authenticator accounts. I had both Google and Samsung backups backing up the phone but I have been unable to restore the authenticator app with my accounts already setup. Sucks.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Oh man, Art, I'm so sorry. That does suck.

[@mommymilkers1337]

I scanned my QR code to recover the account and none of my other accounts imported?? Anyone have advice on this..

[@RawGuruRecords]

I need to restore my iPhone, will this QR code export method work for that?

[@kelpak6177]

How can I migrate all my google auth accounts from Iphone 13 pro to youbico auth on same phone? Can you help me? Thank you.

[@tolulopepaul835]

What if I didn't have access to my old phone

[@ahmadvlogz]

If i lost my old Mobile with google authenticator without backup code how can i get my account back

[@Jones24x]

Is there a way to find the code before moving to new phone , I didn't manage to write down .

[@Mvishxa]

Hey! Is there a way to retrieve the old data of your google authentication if multiple accounts were linked to it since I reset my phone I lost all of it and can’t get back into my accounts and the respective platforms arnt doing anything

[@endorfiene7457]

remember selling my phone and lost access to my authenticator codes lmao, but got them all back by disabling all of them with the websites i used them for, luckily it was doable

[@Wolfie_Rankin]

My codes aren't synced up, but they still work fine.

[@user-jm9ep3zp5g]

when i scan it i get error message

[@thor8029]

can i migrate from microsoft auth to google auth? and how pls

[@prasannakumar7035]

Thanks for the tutorial . It works like a expected charm and now google authenticator does not ask to remove the account after transferring to new account , which is a good sign.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Good to know 👍🏻

[@dadexdadex9088]

Google authenticator doesn't give you the option to lock the app with a pincode

[@AllThingsSecured]

No, it does not.

[@mopikozz]

which app does?

[@Greenenigma420]

At 1:25 you mentioned it asks you to add a code and then it gives you a 12 digit backup code, what do I do if it didn't do that?

[@AllThingsSecured]

If it didn’t give you an initial code, you can’t set it up. If it didn’t give you a backup code, I would get as far away from that particular online company as possible!

[@barbarataylor2258]

When do I move the SIM card from my old phone to my new phone?🤷‍♀️ Before I download the Google Authenticator on the new phone?? or do I have to move the SIM card to the new phone so I can download the Google Authenticator?🤔

[@AllThingsSecured]

The SIM card will have no effect on Google Authenticator.

[@americanroger9285]

wait ... isnt it too easy to turn off two factor ? anyone who hacked ur password can just go into settings and delete two factor ??

[@AllThingsSecured]

No, you can't. You have to confirm the 2FA before you can remove it.

[@americanroger9285]

@@AllThingsSecured thanks !

[@jonasnightingale]

Hi Josh, you make it seem so easy and you explain it well for us all. I am new to this, my question is, I have google authenticator for one crypto exchange, and in another exchange I have to have a authentication. Will I use the same one only different account? Thank you.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Hey Mike, you can set up multiple Authenticator codes on the same authentication app. It will be completely separate but in the same app.

[@jonasnightingale]

@@AllThingsSecured . Wow, Josh thank you for answering! That helps me!! subcribed.

[@felipec06]

I exported my amazon code from google authenticator app to another phone, but they don't sync. I have now two different codes that work

[@felipec06]

They are both the same app (Google Authenticator) and both codes work

[@DFPercush]

Check your time zone in system settings, that can affect the calculation. Sites will often allow you to use a code that's 1 interval behind or ahead. Maybe amazon is checking for those time zone errors as well.

[@AlejandroBelloRD]

Is it safe to set your 2FA codes with Bitwarden? That way you can move all of them in one swoop along with the equally/important passwords that go along each account.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Depends on your threat profile. Putting passwords with 2FA codes presents a bit of risk.

[@vigneshnairm5318]

I have resetted my phone and I lost google authenticator app, Now I'm unable to access my facebook account which is 2 step verified, can you pls help me ?

[@74ty88]

My old phone authenticator does not have the transfer option

[@AllThingsSecured]

If it’s the Google Authenticator app, it shouldn’t matter what age your phone is. You might need to update the app perhaps?

[@alwaysraiders]

How do you use 1Password as 2fa?

[@robwin0072]

Hello, is there an automated way to migrate from one authenticator like Google or Microsoft Authenticator to the Yubico authenticator? Or, as your video states, one would have to visit each website and set up the Yubico authenticator again?

[@robwin0072]

@@thomasedison9047 what? What is vinethics?