Google now allows you to back up your 2FA, which means it’s easier to have 2FA. Before there was no way to back up or sync your 2FA, so it was almost impossible to get it back if you lost or broke your device. Now you can keep a backup of all your 2FA by adding an extra layer of security to your password.
You need a specific combination of codes to set up 2FA on your account and phone. If you lose or break your phone, you won’t be able to reinstall the apps on your device. However, you can transfer the 2FA codes to another device. With Google Authenticator now supporting cloud sync, you can automatically sync your codes and get them on another device when you sign in with your account.
Google Authenticator
Two-factor authentication is one of the best and easiest ways to secure your accounts. 2FA generates a unique code every 30 seconds. Google Authenticator is a popular 2FA app. OTP via SMS was popular but is now considered less secure because of the rise in SIM hacking. At least you won’t lose your 2FA codes with SMS.
It is recommended that users keep backup codes after enabling 2FA on their accounts. To enable 2FA on your online account with Google Authenticator, you can scan QR codes generated by the app or manually submit the code.
How to set up Google Authenticator
Switching between devices can be frustrating, but with Google Authenticator, you can always have a backup of your codes. Google Authenticator doesn’t currently support end-to-end encryption, but Google is working on it to make backups more secure.
To get started, follow these steps:
- Download and launch Google Authenticator.
- Choose to continue with a Google account or without one.
- Tap “Continue as (username)” or “Use Google Authenticator without an account.” You can switch to “Use without an account” even if you started with your Google account.
- That’s it!
Enabling sync:
If you’re using Google Authenticator with a Google account, it will automatically enable cloud backup. Look for the green checkmark next to your personal account icon on the upper right. You’re not synced if it shows a grey icon with a slash through it. If you don’t want this sync, simply tap the person icon and choose “Use without an account” from the pop-up. Note that if you do this, your codes from your personal account will be removed.
class="wp-block-heading">How to Transfer Your 2FA Codes
If you need to move your codes to Google Authenticator or if the app isn’t synced, follow these steps:
- Open Google Authenticator and tap Get Started.
- Tap Scan QR code and align your camera with the QR code inside the red line.
- Open Google Authenticator or another 2FA app you want to transfer.
- Tap the triple-dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen and choose Transfer account.
- Choose Export Account.
- Verify your identity and tap Next. Uncheck any accounts you don’t want to export.
- Done! All your codes are now imported into your new Google Authenticator.
Check for sync if you use Google Authenticator with a Google account.
Backup Codes
Keeping backup codes is crucial. If you lose access to your 2FA account, you can use the backup code to recover your account. Make sure you keep your backup code for your Google Authenticator account. To get your backup codes, go to Google Security, select 2-Step Verification, choose backup code, and click Show Code. Get a list of 10 codes, each of which can be used once.
Screenshot of Barcode
When setting up 2FA, screenshot the barcode used to create it. This is useful if you lose your backup. You can create new codes and set up a new 2FA. Keep the screenshot somewhere safe. To set up 2FA on Google Authenticator, open the app and scan the new QR Code on your device. Finish setting up 2FA on your device.
Google Authentication recently updated, making it easier to sync codes across accounts. However, you can disable a Google account if you don’t want to use it. This will only store your account locally and won’t sync. 2FA codes will be limited to your device after that.
