Backup google authenticator codes3/30/2024 ![]() ![]() ![]() Those attackers also need access to your phone, and they need to be able to unlock your phone to run the app and get the one-time code. That way, crooks who beg, borrow or steal your regular password can’t simply jump straight in to your account. The six-digit codes commonly generated by 2FA apps get calculated right on your phone, not on your laptop they’re based on a “seed” or “starting key” that’s stored on your phone and they’re protected by the lock code on your phone, not by any passwords you routinely type in on your laptop. So 2FA apps, with their one-time login codes, augment your regular password with an additional secret, usually a six-digit number, that changes every time. There’s shoulder-surfing, where a rogue in your midst peeks over your shoulder while you’re typing it in there’s inspired guesswork, where you’ve used a phrase that a crook can predict based on your personal interests there’s phishing, where you are lured into handing over your password to an imposter and there’s keylogging, where malware already implanted on your computer keeps track of what you type and secretly starts recording whenever you visit a website that looks interesting.Īnd because conventional passwords typically stay the same from login to login, crooks who figure out a password today can often simply use it over and over at their leisure, often for weeks, perhaps for months, and sometimes even for years. The problem with conventional passwords is that there are numerous ways that crooks can beg, steal, or borrow them. To explain, a 2FA ( two-factor authentication) app is one of those programs that you run on your mobile phone or tablet to generate one-time login codes that help to secure your online accounts with more than just a password. Got a favorite 2FA app? Drop it’s name in the comments below, and let’s exchange recommendations!Įxperiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “ How To ” page on how to resolve some of these issues.The Google Authenticator 2FA app has featured strongly in cybersecurity news stories lately, with Google adding a feature to let you backup your 2FA data into the cloud and then restore it onto other devices. While Google Authenticator allows for code transfers, it’s lack of cloud backup does put users in a tricky spot during instances like these. If the accounts load correctly, you’ve successfully backed up your 2FA codes. ![]() You can do this by trying to ‘Import Accounts’ on another device using the saved QR code. Authy is a stellar alternative that not only mirrors Google Authenticator’s features but brings added benefits to the table.īackup Confirmation: Once you’ve successfully scanned or captured the QR code using another device or method, ensure that the backup works. This limitation is why I often hesitate to recommend Google Authenticator to those who need a more flexible 2FA solution. So, if you’re without an extra device and lack root access, the transfer becomes tricky. Given this, the process mandates having a secondary Android device to export your codes seamlessly. While Android doesn’t allow direct screenshots, you might consider capturing it with another device.Ī word of caution: Using a photo of the QR code might sometimes pose challenges during re-import via a QR scanner. This code contains all the necessary information for your 2FA accounts. Upon selecting ‘Export Accounts’, the app will generate a QR Code.For the purpose of backing up, you’ll want to select ‘Export Accounts.’ After tapping ‘Transfer Accounts’, you’ll be given two choices: ‘Export Accounts’ and ‘Import Accounts’.This feature is primarily designed for situations where you’re moving to a new phone or need to backup your accounts. From the dropdown menu, you’ll see an option labeled ‘Transfer Accounts’.Tap on this to reveal a dropdown menu with various options. On the top right corner of your screen, you’ll see a three-dot menu icon(often referred to as the “ellipsis” or “overflow” icon).Here’s a quick guide: Navigate to the Menu Unlike certain other 2FA apps, Google Authenticator doesn’t support cloud backups, making it all the more critical to manually secure those codes. In this tutorial, I’ll be shedding light on the importance of preserving your 2FA codes, especially for those using Google Authenticator. But amidst the rush to get things back on track, many of us unintentionally skip the crucial step of backing up our essentials. Factory Data Resets on Android can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re grappling with pesky glitches after an OTA update.
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