Back up your authentication codes before you switch phones
Google Authenticator does not automatically sync your accounts to a new phone. When you get a new device, your old phone's Authenticator app still holds all your two-factor codes, but the new phone has none. You need to either transfer the codes or re-add each account before you lose access to the old phone.
The safest approach is to set up a backup method first — either recovery codes or a second authentication app — so you are not locked out if something goes wrong during the transfer. Then you can move your codes at your own pace.
Key Takeaways
- Google Authenticator codes live only on the phone where you set them up, so moving to a new phone requires you to transfer them or re-add each account.
- The fastest method is to scan the same QR codes again on your new phone, but this only works if you still have access to the account recovery settings on a computer.
- If you saved recovery codes when you first turned on two-factor, you can use those to regain access and re-add Authenticator on the new phone.
- Google Authenticator has no built-in sync or export feature, so you cannot copy codes directly between phones.
- Before you switch phones, turn on a backup authentication method like a recovery phone number or backup email so you have a way in if Authenticator fails.
Use recovery codes if you saved them when setting up two-factor
When you first turned on two-factor for a Google account, Gmail, or another service, you were shown a set of recovery codes — usually 8 or 10 one-time passwords printed on a screen. If you saved those codes (in a file, printed them, or stored them somewhere safe), you can use one to sign in without Authenticator.
Go to the account's sign-in page on a computer or your new phone's web browser. Enter your username and password. When prompted for your two-factor code, select the option to use a recovery code instead (usually a link that says "Can't access your authenticator?" or "Use a backup code"). Enter one of your saved codes. You are now signed in and can add Authenticator to your new phone or choose a different authentication method.
Recovery codes work only once each, so you will use up one code per sign-in. If you have used most of them already, you may want to generate a new set from your account settings after you regain access.
Re-add your accounts by scanning QR codes again
If you still have access to your account on a computer, you can pull up the two-factor setup screen and scan the QR code again on your new phone. This is the fastest way to transfer Authenticator codes without needing recovery codes.
Sign into the account on a computer and go to the security or two-factor settings. Look for an option like "Change your authenticator app" or "Set up authenticator." The system will show you a QR code. On your new phone, open Google Authenticator, tap the plus sign to add an account, and select "Scan a QR code." Point your new phone's camera at the QR code on your computer screen. Authenticator will add that account to your new phone.
Repeat this for each account you use with Authenticator. Once all accounts are added to your new phone, you can delete Authenticator from your old phone. Do not delete it until you have confirmed that all codes are working on the new phone and you can sign into each account.
Use a backup authentication method if you cannot access recovery codes
If you did not save your recovery codes and cannot access your account on a computer, you will need to use a backup authentication method. When you set up two-factor, you usually chose a backup option — a recovery phone number, a backup email address, or a security key.
Go to the account's sign-in page. Enter your username and password. When asked for your two-factor code, look for a link to use a backup method instead. Select "Send a code to my recovery phone" or "Send a code to my backup email." You will receive a code by text or email that you can use to sign in. Once you are in, you can add Authenticator to your new phone or change your authentication method entirely.
This method works only if you still have access to the phone number or email address you registered as a backup. If you have changed your phone number or no longer use the backup email, you may need to contact the service's support team to regain access.
Transfer codes using a third-party authenticator app if Authenticator lacks a backup
Google Authenticator does not have a built-in export or backup feature, but other authenticator apps do. If you want to move your codes to a new phone and keep a backup, you can add your accounts to a different app like Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or 1Password.
These apps let you back up your codes to a cloud account, so if you lose your phone, your codes are not lost. To switch, sign into each account on a computer, go to the two-factor settings, and add the new authenticator app by scanning the QR code. You can run both Authenticator and the backup app on your old phone at the same time, then delete Authenticator once you confirm the new app is working on your new phone.
This approach takes more time upfront but gives you protection against losing all your codes if your phone is damaged or stolen.
What to do if you lose your old phone before transferring codes
If your old phone is lost, stolen, or broken before you move your Authenticator codes, you are not permanently locked out — but you will need to use a backup authentication method to regain access. Go to the account's sign-in page, enter your username and password, and when prompted for your two-factor code, use a recovery code or backup method (recovery phone, backup email, or security key) instead.
Once you are signed in on a computer or your new phone's web browser, you can remove the old phone from your account's trusted devices list and set up Authenticator on your new phone. Some services let you turn off two-factor temporarily while you set up a new authenticator, then turn it back on.
If you did not set up any backup authentication method and cannot remember your recovery codes, contact the service's support team. They can verify your identity and help you regain access, though the process may take several days.
Set up a backup authentication method before you need it
The best time to prepare for a phone switch is before you need one. When you first turn on two-factor for any account, save your recovery codes in a safe place — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a secure cloud storage folder. Do not store them in the same place as your password.
Also make sure you have registered a backup phone number or backup email address with each account. This gives you a way to sign in if Authenticator fails, your phone is lost, or you cannot access recovery codes. Check your account's security settings every few months to confirm your backup methods are still current.
If you are about to get a new phone, do this setup now rather than waiting until you have already switched. It takes 10 minutes and removes the stress of being locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same Authenticator codes on two phones at once?
Yes. You can add the same account to Authenticator on both your old phone and new phone by scanning the QR code twice. Both phones will generate the same codes at the same time. This is useful while you are testing the new phone, but delete the account from your old phone once you are confident the new phone is working.
What if I do not have access to a computer to scan the QR code again?
Use a recovery code or backup authentication method to sign in on your new phone's web browser instead. Once you are signed in, go to the account's security settings and set up Authenticator from there. You can scan the QR code on your new phone's screen using a second device, or ask someone else to hold up a computer screen with the QR code.
Will I lose my Authenticator codes if I uninstall the app?
Yes. Uninstalling Google Authenticator deletes all the codes stored on that phone. Only uninstall it after you have confirmed that all your accounts are working on your new phone and you have set up a backup authentication method for each account.
Can I back up my Authenticator codes to Google Drive or iCloud?
Google Authenticator does not sync to Google Drive or iCloud. Your codes stay only on the phone where you set them up. If you want cloud backup, switch to an authenticator app that offers it, like Authy or Microsoft Authenticator.