How to Use Google Authenticator After Changing Phones

Switching to a new phone is exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting, especially when it comes to transferring important apps like Google Authenticator. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully move your Google Authenticator accounts to your new device, whether you're using an iPhone or an Android phone.

Step 1: Prepare Your Accounts on the Old Phone

Unlike Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator doesn’t offer a direct backup or cloud sync option, so you’ll need to manually transfer your accounts.

1. Open the Google Authenticator app on your old phone.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (menu) in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Transfer accounts.
4. Choose Export accounts.
5. Select the accounts you want to transfer and tap Next.
6. A QR code will be generated, which you'll scan with your new phone in the next step.

Step 2: Install Google Authenticator on Your New Phone

With your accounts ready to transfer, the next step is to set up Google Authenticator on your new device.

1. Go to the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android) and download the Google Authenticator app.
2. Open the app and tap Get Started.
3. Select Import existing accounts? or Transfer accounts depending on the prompt.
4. Use your new phone to scan the QR code displayed on your old phone.
5. Once scanned, your accounts will be transferred to the new device.

Step 3: Verify Your Accounts

After transferring your accounts, it’s important to verify that everything is working correctly on the new device.

1. Test a few of your 2FA accounts by logging into the respective services and using the codes generated by Google Authenticator on your new phone.
2. If everything is working properly, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Remove Accounts from the Old Phone

To ensure your accounts remain secure, remove the Google Authenticator accounts from your old device.

1. Open Google Authenticator on your old phone.
2. Tap on the three vertical dots (menu) in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Transfer accounts.
4. Choose Export accounts, but instead of transferring, remove the accounts from your old device.
5. Alternatively, you can uninstall the app from the old phone.

Final Thoughts

Transferring your Google Authenticator accounts to a new phone requires a few manual steps, but with careful attention, the process can be completed smoothly. Always verify that your accounts are functioning correctly on your new device before removing them from your old phone.

For further assistance, refer to the Google support page for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.