When it comes to keeping our online data safe and secure, we rely on various methods. But nothing can be compared with two-factor authentication. It is the best and easiest way to keep your online presence safe. The functioning of this system is effortless. It generates a code when anyone tries to access the account.
By using two-factor authentication such as Authy or Google Authenticator, you can prevent unwanted people from accessing your account in the wrong way, i.e., misusing your password. Here, it is worth noting that two-factor authentication uses a key specific to your phone. So, if your break or lose your phone, it will be difficult for you to reinstall the app on your new phone.
Here, you have to transfer the keycode for that specific phone and the app also. You need to keep in mind that different authentication apps handle such situations in different ways.
In this article, we will talk about Google Authenticator. It lets its users establish two-factor authenticators using their phones. Users can install it by scanning a QR code on a separate device generated by the app. Also, they can establish by entering the key code. It’s an easy method if you don’t need to move the app to any other or a new phone.
Now, you know that two-factor authentication uses security keys specific to every piece of hardware. So, it’s advisable to use the dedicated transfer feature of the Authenticator app. It will help you to move your keys from one phone to another.
However, there are assumptions. First, you should have Android devices. Second, you have to access both phones, i.e., new and old ones. If these two assumptions fail, you can use other methods as well. Here’s the easy way for you Transfer Your Authenticator Keys Using Android
You can transfer your accounts to a new phone if you have two Android phones. In this case, you have to export them through a QR code that the Authenticator app will generate.
First, you have to install the Google Authenticator app on your new Android phone.
After that, click on “Get Started.”
Now, click on “Scan a QR code.”
After that, you will see a grid and instructions asking you to “Place QR code within red lines.”
Open Google Authenticator on your older phone.
Click on the three dots on the screen’s top right and choose “Transfer accounts.”
Choose “Exports accounts.” You may be asked to verify your identity through a fingerprint, password, or some other method.
Further, uncheck the accounts you don’t wish to export. Click on the Next button.
Here, you will see a QR code. You have to center it in the grid on your new Android phone.
Now, you can see the imported app listed in your Google Authenticator app on your new Android phone.
Use Your Backup Codes as an Alternative method No.1
You may be given a set of backup codes when you try to set up Google Authenticator first. Also, you will have to either save them or print them. So, create a PDF or put them somewhere safe if you want to save them. These codes will help you re-establish authentication on your new Android if you have lost your old one somewhere.
Also, there is a way to re-establish your keys on your new phone. Follow the steps given below if you have missed any installation steps: –
Tap on “Security” in the left-hand column.
Choose “2-Step Verification” by scrolling down. Here, you have to enter your password.
After that, tap on “Show Codes” after scrolling down to “Backup Codes.”
Here, you will get a list of 10 codes. You can also get more codes by clicking on “Show Codes. Then, tap on “Get New Codes.”
There is also another way to create a backup of your lost phone. You can take a screenshot of the barcode and save it. Later, you can use this saved screenshot to complete your app’s authentication and establish your credentials on your new phone.
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