How to transfer Google Authenticator keys to another smartphone

The Google Authenticator is a free security application that offers a “token” to be used as a second factor  authentication across multiple sites and services. The process of transferring Google Authenticator keys to another smartphone may seem daunting at first, but by following these simple steps, you can ensure a seamless transition. Remember to back up your codes using a trusted third-party app, like Authy, and always verify that the codes are working correctly on your new device. By taking these precautions, you can continue to keep your online accounts secure and protected.

Transferring Google Authenticator Keys: Step by Step

Step 1: Install Google Authenticator on Your New Smartphone

The first step in transferring your Google Authenticator keys is to install the app on your new smartphone. Visit the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android), search for Google Authenticator, and install the app.

Step 2: Backup Google Authenticator on Your Old Smartphone

Before proceeding further, it is crucial to backup your Google Authenticator codes from your old smartphone. Google Authenticator does not provide an official backup feature, so you’ll need to use a third-party app to accomplish this. One such app is Authy, which offers a seamless backup and sync option. Install Authy on your old smartphone and follow the instructions to backup your Google Authenticator codes.

Step 3: Transfer Google Authenticator Codes from Old to New Smartphone

Now that your Google Authenticator codes are backed up, it’s time to transfer them to your new smartphone. Here’s how:

1. Open Authy on Your New Smartphone: Launch the Authy app on your new smartphone.
2. Sign in to Authy: Sign in to Authy using the same account you used on your old smartphone during the backup process.
3. Sync Your Devices: Authy will prompt you to sync your new device. Follow the instructions to complete the sync process.
4. Import Google Authenticator Codes: After syncing, Authy will automatically import your Google Authenticator codes from your old smartphone.
5. Verify Your Codes: Double-check that all your codes have been successfully transferred to your new smartphone. Test each code to ensure they are working correctly.

Step 4: Disable Google Authenticator on Your Old Smartphone

Once you have successfully transferred your Google Authenticator codes to your new smartphone, it is essential to disable Google Authenticator on your old device. This step ensures that only your new smartphone has access to your 2FA codes and avoids potential security risks.

Step 5: Update 2FA Settings on Your Online Accounts

The final step is to update your 2FA settings on your online accounts. Since you have transferred your Google Authenticator codes to your new smartphone, you will need to update the 2FA settings on each of your accounts to link them to your new device. This can typically be done in the security or account settings of each respective website or application.

How to transfer keys between smartphones

For security reasons, the Google app does not allow screenshots. With both phones in hand, now see how to transfer the access keys registered on your device to a new smartphone.

On the old device

1. Open the application in the main interface with the active codes;
2. Next, look for the “three dots” button in the upper right corner of the screen;
3. When selecting the menu, click on the “transfer accounts” button;
4. With the account transfer open, select “Export accounts”, reaching the authentication screen before starting the process;
5. Enter your fingerprint, if your phone has a reader, or provide your pin used to unlock the smartphone screen;
6. After going through authentication, select the accounts you want to transfer. As soon as you proceed, the smartphone will generate a QR Code and ask you to access Google Authenticator on the new device;

On new device

1. Perform the same account transfer process until step 3 of the old device;
2. Then select “Import accounts”;
3. Clicking on “Read QR Code”, the smartphone will direct you to the camera, to read the code present on the screen of the old device;
4. Position the camera of the new smartphone so that the code is entirely within the square highlighted on your screen;
5. You will receive a confirmation and will now be able to use your accounts synchronization with Google Authenticator.

It is worth remembering that the transfer process is very simple when you have both devices in hand. Without them, the task may take some time to generate new codes for already linked accounts.