Need to transfer authenticator. No backup codes, no old phone with authenticator on.

I need to transfer Google Authenticator to my freshly repaired phone. It was wiped when it was repaired. Iphone. I tried following the guides but alas, no use. I don't know anything about and 'Backup Codes' and I have no option for anything but change password when I look at the Signing into Google section of Security under my account. Any help appreciated.

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NoGoodDeed

Product Expert Alumni

Sep 17, 2019

@ Joseph Allen-Perkins,

Thank you for taking your time to post.

I need to transfer Google Authenticator...

The Google Authenticator app does not have a way to recover secret keys (i.e., the things that allows the app to give the correct code). :0(

...I tried following the guides but alas, no use...

Not sure what guides you were following, bur not surprised that they did not work.

As before, "The Google Authenticator app does not have a way to recover secret keys...".

[1] 2-Step Verification (2-Step) is an added layer of security (as you know) such that when you know your password, Google will also require you to input a code to finish signing in. The 2-Step code is normally sent to you as a text to your phone.

With 2-Step, you have some more options.

I suggest that people [2] Install Google Authenticator instead of just having a SMS or Voice call come to a phone.
Instead of using the official Google Authenticator app, I recommend using the [3] Authy app.
- Authy can easily allow you to use it with Multi-Devices.
- Read [4] THIS or [5] THAT for more.
If someone doesn't want to use an authenticator, then I recommend [6] Google Prompt.

The Google Authenticator, Authy & Google Prompt are free & Google doesn't charge to set up or use 2-Step.

If someone chooses to use 2-Step, then they should make sure to create and print [7] Backup Codes. Back-up numbers (which could be configured to make voice calls :-) should also be added.

People should also check out using a [8] Security Key with an account. A Key may cost (unless you can get one for free or [9] USE YOUR ANDROID PHONE'S BUILT-IN KEY --currently in beta--), however using it with a Google Account is free. A key provides even more security and some may find it easier to use then an App or phone.

Take Note: A key is just another type of 2-Step, so people should still create and print Backup Codes/Phones.

...I don't know anything about and 'Backup Codes'...

This is something you should have set up BEFORE you need it.

See the above/below [7] links for more.

...Any help appreciated.

Can you access your account?

Long Links: [1] https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/180744 [2] https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447 [3] https://www.authy.com/ [4] https://authy.com/blog/understanding-authys-multi-device-feature/ [5] https://authy.com/blog/multi-multi-factor-authentication/ [6] https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7026266 [7] https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538 [8] https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6103523

[9] https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/9289445

Google user

Original Poster

Sep 17, 2019

@nogooddeed I can access my account, I can use my GMail, Google Drive ect just fine. However, I have some third party software that relies on 2 Factor Authentication and utilises Google Authenticator. When I go into my Google Security settings in my account I see there is only the option to change my password and nothing else (See fig 1.)

The image is not visible due to forum settings.

Last edited Sep 17, 2019