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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Ghost_of_Gaby]

What other apps allow you to export by creating these QR codes

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@kaushiks87]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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!

[@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.

[@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! 👍🏻

[@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?

[@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.

[@HugoGrilo]

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

[@AllThingsSecured]

Great! 👍🏻

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@sandeepsatapathy9]

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

[@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.

[@LatinKingQueen]

Not true i can make Screenshots when i got the Google Codes,but im using Aegis but it works to make the Screenshot to Put the Code in an different authenticator app

[@reubenmontgomery6291]

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

[@AllThingsSecured]

Thank you, Reuben!

[@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!

[@giuseppepereira6194]

Thank you! A short and useful tutorial!

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BF1GUN]

Thank you. Very clearly explained and worked perfectly.

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad to hear 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

[@vasiovasio]

Useful and objective video! Thank you!

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it was helpful, Radoslav!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@iAmOscarFNAF]

now you don’t even need this tutorial as now, Google now has ur account saved with the codes

[@wah0wah]

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

[@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 👍🏻

[@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

[@speedracer9132]

What are your thoughts on Aegis, AndOTP, and yubico authenticator? These seem to be most highly revered among the privacy communities

[@AllThingsSecured]

All very good options. Honestly, it’s more about personal preference.

[@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

[@mitchellquartero]

Thanks appreciate it I use Authy

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@RawGuruRecords]

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

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@diederikmader2946]

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

[@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

[@nebiyumekonnen7619]

Thank you! 🙏 very helpful!

[@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.

[@J-Cardozo]

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

[@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

[@windowwasherfpv3485]

Thanks... just moved it over to my tablet just in case I lose my phone

[@AllThingsSecured]

Good idea to have a backup!

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@mr.boniato6402]

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

[@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?

[@samuelikonallaholokpo9063]

Thank you so much for this share.

[@AllThingsSecured]

My pleasure.

[@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.

[@stanleyochukoomadogho8379]

Thanks for the video. How can you use the 2FA backup codes, the backup codes that appear as letters, created whenever you setup a new 2FA account, to recover your Binance or Twitter accounts when your Google Authenticator is not available due to lost mobile device or deleted authenticator app?

[@DFPercush]

If you have the original secret code from when you set up your 2FA, that's all you need. Put that into any authenticator app and it will give you a current login code. (edit, not the 6 or 8 digit numerical code, but the one that's like 16 or more letters and numbers.)

[@SECYBERSAFE]

Very helpful. Now I know how

[@AllThingsSecured]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@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?

[@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?

[@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

[@kparivar]

Dear friend Thanks for the informative video but unfortunately it is not solving my problem , I am moving from android phone to iPhone and in my authenticator app on the old Android phone dose not have the export function so what is next step for me? Thanks.

[@AllThingsSecured]

If there is no export for some reason, your only other option is to log into each account individually and reset your 2FA (make sure you have both your old and new phone as you do this!)

[@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).

[@unpronouncable2442]

So Yeah I dropped my phone and lost access to the touch screen happily I do have a USBC to USB-A-Female adapter so I was able to just connect mouse and deal with it. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@AllThingsSecured]

My pleasure!

[@qeathcliff]

Why not keep all 2FA at 1Password or did you separate some 2FA from 1PW for security purposes?

[@AllThingsSecured]

I do keep it in 1Password, but some people consider that a high risk and want to separate passwords from 2FA (which honestly makes a lot of sense).

[@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.

[@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

[@patricktthompson3606]

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

[@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?

[@leandrocellocco]

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

[@liamodonoghue7006]

super helpful 👌

[@AllThingsSecured]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xxgh0stxx615]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mervinbritanico8473]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@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)

[@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

[@TheCryptonian2.0]

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

[@raghuramanraman9780]

Hi sir, please guide me on how to extarct the 2fa secret key from authenticator app

[@AllThingsSecured]

You can’t.

[@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

[@ksheth79]

Thank you for your informative video about Authenticator app. Problem I am facing is there are no 3 dots on top right side to enable me export my account to new phone. I don't know why. I tried to update my Google Authenticator app on my old iphone but in App store it doesnt show me to update my app so may be i have got the latest version on old phone. Pls help.

[@rinosaint]

I had the exact same issue! Figured it out just now - I needed to update my 'authenticator app' to the latest and then magically the three dots in the top right appeared. Go to the app store and click on your icloud account icon which brings up the apps you need to update then scroll down until you see the authenticator app. Then I followed the instructions - export > scan QR code > new iphone setup 😅 Hope it helps @Jack Shah

[@andreha3619]

So - to be clear - I can export my google Authenticator to several family phones and it will stay the same in my original iph and all the others ? (most tutos talk about transferring to new ph -as if it would disappear from old 1)

[@AllThingsSecured]

Correct. Just because you export doesn't mean it will disappear from the old one (unless you click that button to delete them all!).

[@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.

[@CALee-zn9ch]

How do you think about put TOTP with password manager together? It seems that has less secure?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Yes, it's technically less secure but extremely convenient. It's really up to you.

[@pwsoultrainn4090]

too much my bro... great video with examples

[@AllThingsSecured]

Awesome! Thanks 🙏

[@nadjsdreeyuuh9098]

Hello sir! Can I use two app for 2FA on my 1 facebook both using Authy and Google Authenticator?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Yes. You can set up multiple 2FA apps for one account.

[@Jones24x]

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

[@rizwanajmal5976]

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

[@CF15500]

Hi Josh! Thank you for the video. Very helpful and informative. Love that 1 Password does this! I bought a security key (x2) Yubikey as well after watching other videos from you. Couple quick questions? With 1Password doing the 2FA for me should I just use my Yubikeys keys for access to 1 Password? Or should I use the keys as well for each site? I know there is a limit on the amount you can put on the key at least for one time passwords. Originally bought the keys because I didn't know 1 Password did this as well. Love that it is an option! And passwords are more secure because it's controlling the code from me. Also, was curious how do and would you once its setup through 1 Password would you go back to each site say like Amazon for instance, go back and remove your phone number and text for security code? Not sure how to go about doing that though. Thank you!

[@Raymond-mk8cb]

If I export the google authenticator from my current iPhone SE2 , to the new iPhone 13, will I be able to use both authenticators? Or, are they specfic to one device?

[@AllThingsSecured]

Yes, you can use both simultaneously. In fact, if you put them side by side, they should show the exact same codes.

[@Raymond-mk8cb]

@@AllThingsSecured Thanks

[@Raymond-mk8cb]

@@AllThingsSecured It worked! Thanks for your videos!

[@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?

[@thor8029]

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

[@zfitry123]

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?