Google Authenticator adds the ability to sync your accounts between your devices. A long overdue feature that Google Authenticator was missing out on.
The Google Authenticator app is a two-factor authentication app developed by Google. It provides an extra layer of security for your online accounts by generating a unique, time-sensitive code that you enter along with your password when you log in.
This code is generated on your mobile device through the Google Authenticator app and synced to your online account. Two-factor authentication using Google Authenticator is an effective way to protect your online accounts from unauthorized access, because even if someone knows your password, they will need access to your mobile device in order to generate a code and gain access to your account.
Sync your accounts between devices with Google Authenticator
To use the sync feature, you must first sign in to your Google account. Once logged in, the app will prompt you to select the account you want to use to sync.
After selecting the appropriate account, simply click Continue. The app will automatically back up the 2FA data of all your accounts to the cloud, and a small cloud icon will appear at the top of the screen to indicate the sync status.
If you have a second device, you can open the Google Authenticator app on it and sign in to the correct account to sync linked accounts and their 2FA tokens.
Links: 🤖 Google Play | 🍏App Store | Official press release
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Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer who started Winaero back in 2011. On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Telegram, Twitter, and YouTube. View all posts by Sergey Tkachenko
FAQs
To use the Google Authenticator Sync feature, you will need to update the Google Authenticator app on all of your devices. Once you have updated the app, you will be prompted to sign in to your Google Account. After you have signed in, you will be able to sync your 2FA codes.
How to sync Google Authenticator on multiple devices? ›
When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device. If you use Google Authenticator without a Google Account, you can still manually transfer your codes to another device.
How do I sync my Google Authenticator to another phone? ›
Then, follow these steps on your new device:
- Open Google Authenticator.
- Tap the hamburger icon to open the side menu.
- Select Transfer accounts.
- Select Import accounts.
- Tap Scan QR code in the lower-right corner of the screen. The camera opens.
- You're asked for permission if this is your first time using the app.
How to disable Google Authenticator sync feature?
- On your device, open the Google Authenticator app.
- Tap your profile photo.
- Hit Use without an account.
- Tap Continue.
If you're using an authenticator app for 2FA, you can setup multiple devices to generate codes. If you're using SMS, you'll only be able to register one phone number. Yes, you can.
Can I use the same Authenticator for two accounts? ›
Adding multiple accounts to Microsoft Authenticator is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you: Download and Install Microsoft Authenticator: If you haven't already, download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
How do I use Google Authenticator if I lost my phone? ›
To set up Google Authenticator on your new phone without your old phone, simply install the app and then scan the QR code from your Google Account. If you have another phone with the app set up, you can also scan a QR code from that device.
How do I restore my Authenticator app to a new phone? ›
On your mobile device, open Authenticator, and select Begin recovery. Important: Select the Begin recovery link before signing in. Sign in to your recovery account using the personal Microsoft account you used during the backup process. Your account credentials are recovered to the new device.
What happens to 2-step verification if I lost my phone? ›
If you've lost access to your primary phone, you can verify it's you with: Another phone signed in to your Google Account. Another phone number you've added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account. A backup code you previously saved.
How do I transfer my Google Account to another phone? ›
Important: If you don't have your old device, you need to know your Google Account and password to restore data.
- Turn on your new device.
- Tap Start.
- To set up your device without an old device, follow the prompts.
- When prompted, sign in with your Google Account. If you can't sign in, learn how to recover your account.
For your account security, withdrawals and P2P transactions will be disabled for 24 hours after you disable your Google Authenticator.
Is Google Authenticator synced to the cloud? ›
0 – a free, secure and open source 2FA ap... Last year Google Authenticator started syncing secrets to the cloud[0] which means that those secrets can now be accessed in new ways outside of the user's control[1], which resulted in a huge breach at a startup called Retool[2].
How do I stop syncing with Authenticator? ›
To stop syncing passwords in the Authenticator app, open Settings > Autofill settings > Sync account. On the next screen, you can select on Stop sync and remove all autofill data. This will remove passwords and other autofill data from the device.
Can I sync Google Authenticator on two devices? ›
To use the Google Authenticator Sync feature, you will need to update the Google Authenticator app on all of your devices. Once you have updated the app, you will be prompted to sign in to your Google Account.
How to transfer authenticator to a new phone? ›
- Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Tap the "+" button to add a new account.
- Select "Scan a QR code" or use the method indicated in the previous step.
- Scan the QR code displayed on your old phone.
Select 2-factor authentication.
- Log in to your product.
- Select Verify a different way instead.
- Select Use your recovery method. ...
- Enter the 6-digit code from your recovery method.
- Select Remove the device and add a new one.
- Select Send 2-factor authentication email.
Here are the steps on how to make a QR code for your account to use in Authenticator:
- Go to the Google Account Security page.
- Click on "2-Step Verification".
- Under the "Authenticator App" section, click on "Setup".
- Choose your device type (Android, iPhone) and click on "Next" to reveal a QR code.
Google Authenticator app generates a six-digit code for you to enter when you log in. The code changes about every minute. Once you have set up the connection with ACF's site, every time that you log out of your ACF account you will need to use Google Authenticator to regain access when you login again.
How do I sync Microsoft Authenticator across devices? ›
In the "Backup" section, toggle-On "Cloud Backup" on an Android phone, or "iCloud Backup" on an iPhone. Once you do this, You'll be asked to sign in to the Microsoft account you used for the backup on your old phone. Your accounts will then automatically be added to Microsoft Authenticator on your new one.
How do I reset my Google Authenticator? ›
Once logged in as the user, click Settings > Security > User Manager and click the user account that you are currently logged in as. Click the Multi-Factor Authentication tab, then select one of these options: Generate a new QR code: Click the Reset button for the Google Authenticator app.
