Where is authenticator code

You can have a code texted to you, but that is considered far less secure due to the rise of so-called SIM hacking. There is, of course, a catch. You need to transfer the key code for that phone as well as the app itself. Different authentication apps handle this in different ways.

Google Authenticator lets you establish 2FA by using your phone to scan a QR code generated by the app on a separate device or by entering a key code. Instead, you have to transfer the keys to your new app. However, there are two assumptions here: first, that you have access to both the old and new phone, and second, that you have Android devices.

But first, the easy method. When you first set up Google Authenticator, you may be given a set of backup codes and asked to print them out or otherwise save them. And you definitely do want to save them; print them out and put them somewhere safe or create a PDF and save it where nobody else can access it.

If you missed that step during the installation, you can get those backup codes anyway. For that, you have to go into your Google account and then follow these steps:. One way to create a backup in case you lose your phone is to take and save a screenshot of the barcode that is created for each 2FA-secured app. Just throw the screenshot up on your computer, install Google Authenticator on your new phone, and use the plus sign on the app to scan the barcode.

Update October 12th, , AM ET: This article was originally published on September 2nd, ; the directions for transferring between Android phones have been updated. Subscribe to get the best Verge-approved tech deals of the week. Any of these common actions could put you at risk of having your password stolen:.

When a bad guy steals your password, they could lock you out of your account, and then do some of the following:. Get Started. Then, a code will be sent to your phone via text, voice call, or our mobile app. During sign-in, you can choose not to use 2-Step Verification again on that particular computer. From then on, that computer will only ask for your password when you sign in. You'll still be covered , because when you or anyone else tries to sign in to your account from another computer , 2-Step Verification will be required.

See how it protects you. Most people only have one layer — their password — to protect their account. With 2-Step Verification, if a bad guy hacks through your password layer, he'll still need your phone or Security Key to get into your account.

With 2-Step Verification, you'll protect your account with something you know your password and something you have your phone or Security Key. It even works when your device has no phone or data connectivity. During sign-in, you can choose not to use 2-Step Verification again on your computer.

We'll still ask for codes or Security Key on other computers. Instead of using verification codes, you can insert a Security Key into your computer's USB port for even more protection against phishing. Get Started. Home Features Help.