Deleting Google Authenticator (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I delete my Google Authenticator? ›

You're prompted to download a backup key when you set up two-factor authentication (2FA) in your account using the Authenticator App method. This code lets you restore access to your account in case of a changed or lost smartphone, or accidental deletion of the Authenticator App.

On the Security info page, select the Delete link next to the Authenticator app. Select Yes when asked to confirm to delete the authenticator app. After the authenticator app is deleted, it's removed from your security info, and it disappears from the Security info page.

Lack of encryption

For example, if a cybercriminal happens to access your 2FA QR code, which is the secret key used to generate one-time codes, they will be able to generate the same one-time code. This issue can lead to huge security risks for users such as account takeover or data leakage.

Open the app, locate your account, tap it, and select 'remove'. That's all it takes! You won't get any codes or notifications for that account anymore. Don't worry – unlinking the account doesn't affect your accounts or their security.

If you can still access the accounts you sign in to with Authenticator, you can reset Authenticator (or temporarily disable 2FA, which is possible on Discord, Microsoft, and other services) on those sites.

To do this, go to your phone's settings, find the Microsoft Authenticator app, and clear its cache. Reinstall the app: If clearing the cache doesn't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This will reset the app's settings and may resolve the issue.

Open your Google Account. In the "Security" section, select 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in. Select Turn off.

Delete a 2FA account token on Android

Tap and hold the desired authenticator account, and then select Remove. A notification window will be displayed advising your account will be deleted in 48 hours. Tap OK to continue.

How do I reset my Google authorization? ›

Reset the authorization code

In the Google Cloud console, go to the Cloud Domains page. On the Registrations list, click the domain name that you want to transfer. On the Domain details page, click Authorization code. In the Authorization code dialog, click Reset.

Open the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device. Tap the pencil icon (top right). Select the desired entry to remove. Click delete (bottom of screen).

You can click Security Info on the left-hand menu to get there. Next, locate the device you want to un-enroll from the list and click Delete on the far-right. 4. Your device should now be removed from your account.

If you accidentally deleted the Microsoft Authenticator app and can't log in to your accounts anymore, here's what you can do: Firstly, go to your phone's app store (like the App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android) and download the Microsoft Authenticator app again.

What should I do if I lose a phone with Google Authenticator installed? If you lose your phone with Google Authenticator on it, you should erase your phone remotely and use an alternative method to sign into your accounts with 2FA set up until you can install Google Authenticator on a new phone.

You can save your codes safely in your Google Account with Google Authenticator. This helps protect you from being locked out of your account when you change devices. However, you may instead choose to use Google Authenticator without these protections.