Guide to Recovering Google Authenticator after Losing or Resetting Your Device
In the digital age, security is paramount. One such tool that enhances online safety is Google Authenticator, a two-step verification method used by numerous websites. However, what happens when you lose access to your device with the Authenticator app installed? We've got you covered.
This article, co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA, a Technology Writer and Editor for our website, provides a comprehensive guide on recovering your Google Authenticator codes. With over 20 years of experience in creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies, Nicole's expertise shines through in this piece.
Firstly, it's essential to know that if you've lost your old device and haven't backed up your QR code, recovering Authenticator without it becomes a challenge. But fear not! If you've updated Google Authenticator on your primary device after April 2023 and haven't turned off cloud backup, your Authenticator codes are synced to your Google account and can easily be restored from the cloud.
For those who haven't backed up their codes, the process becomes a tad more involved. You can generate a QR code by going to the Export Accounts screen in Authenticator on the old device, then tapping "Export codes". Once you have this QR code, you can scan it with the new device to restore your Authenticator codes.
Now, what if you can't log in to your Google account in Authenticator? In such a scenario, you'll need to recover your account at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.
It's also worth noting that if you're not signed in to sites and don't have access to your old Authenticator, you can usually recover your accounts using the site or app's account recovery method.
Remember, it's always a good idea to save or print your Authenticator QR code in advance to avoid the hassle of recovering it later. And if you don't want to back up Authenticator to your Google account, you can back up your QR code instead.
Lastly, it's important to mention that if you use Google Authenticator to log in to sites using two-step verification, you'll need to transfer your Authenticator keys when you get a new phone.
This article has been fact-checked to ensure accuracy and has been viewed 512,227 times. The search results do not contain information about who wrote the restoration instructions for Google Authenticator published on August 30, 2025.
In conclusion, with this guide, we hope to help you navigate the process of recovering your Google Authenticator codes with ease. Stay safe and secure online!
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