How to Use Google Authenticator Transfer to Move Your Codes to a New Phone

Switching phones and worried about losing your codes? Here's the short version: how to use Google Authenticator transfer comes down to two paths automatic sync if you're signed into a Google Account, or manual QR export/import if you're not.

Both are covered below, along with what to do if your old device is already gone.

What You Need Before You Start: How to Use Google Authenticator Transfer

• Your old device, with Google Authenticator installed and codes visible
• The latest app version on both devices
• Your new device, ready to go

Syncing requires Android 6.0+ or iOS 4.0+. Older versions won't show the sync option at all.

Method 1: Transfer by Signing In to Your Google Account

This is the easier route, and most people end up using it without realizing it's technically "syncing."

How It Works

When Authenticator is linked to your Google Account, codes back up automatically. This cloud sync capability was added to the app as an update in 2023, according to TechCrunch, meaning codes now carry over to a new phone simply by signing into that same account — no QR codes needed.

Checking If You're Already Synced

Look at the cloud icon near your profile picture: a checkmark means synced, a gray, slashed cloud means not.

Steps to Sync on a New Device

1. Open Authenticator on your old phone, tap your profile icon.
2. Tap your email address, then Continue or Allow to confirm backup.
3. On your new phone, install the app and sign into the same account.
4. Codes should appear immediately. If not, close and reopen the app.

In practice, this works smoothly the first try for most people; friction usually shows up when someone assumes they're synced without actually turning it on.

Method 2: Transfer Manually by Exporting and Importing

If you're not signed into a Google Account, or want codes kept off it, use this method instead.

What the QR Code Actually Does

The QR code encodes the underlying keys your codes are generated from that's why scanning it produces identical, working codes instantly instead of requiring you to re-add each account.

Exporting and Importing

On your old device: tap the menu icon, select Transfer accounts, then Export accounts (you may need to unlock your device first).

Choose accounts to include and tap Next a QR code appears, possibly more than one if you're exporting several accounts.

On your new device: install Authenticator, tap Get Started, select Transfer accounts, then Import accounts, and scan the QR code from your old device. You'll get confirmation once codes land successfully.

Exporting doesn't remove anything from the old device automatically deletion is a separate, optional step, usually done after confirming the new phone works.

Transferring Between Android and iPhone

This part is less documented officially.

Based on general understanding of how the process works, it isn't tied to a specific operating system the QR transfer should work the same moving Android to iPhone or the reverse, since it's app-level rather than OS-level.

This isn't explicitly confirmed anywhere, though, so test your codes on the new device first.

Comparing Your Transfer Options

If You No Longer Have Your Old Device

Using Backup Codes

Google typically gives you one-time backup codes during 2-Step Verification setup, found under Security, then 2-Step Verification, then Backup Codes.

Each works once. Teams handling account recovery generally recommend storing these offline, since losing your phone and your backup codes together is hard to recover from.

Using a Saved QR Screenshot

If you screenshotted the original setup barcode when adding an account, scan that image again on your new phone: tap the plus icon, choose Scan a QR code, and point it at the saved image.

Troubleshooting Common Transfer Issues

QR won't scan: check screen brightness and glare. Codes missing after import: close and reopen the app, and confirm the QR code hadn't expired.

"Invalid code" errors: usually a time-sync issue check your new device's date and time, since these codes are time-based, according to Wikipedia's overview of the time-based one-time password standard.

Managing Multiple Accounts and Security After Transfer

Add more Google Accounts via your profile icon, then Add another account. Swipe left on any code to rename or reassign it.

Also worth turning on Privacy Screen, which adds a PIN, pattern, or biometric check before the app opens. Once the new phone works, delete the exported codes from the old device.

Conclusion

Transferring Google Authenticator means either automatic sync if signed in, or manual QR export if not. Backup codes and saved screenshots cover you if the old device is already gone. Confirm codes work before deleting anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does transferring delete codes from my old phone?

No. Exporting copies codes to the new device; removing them from the old one is a separate step.

Can I transfer without my old phone?

Yes, using backup codes or a saved QR screenshot not the standard export method, which needs the old device.

Do I need internet access to transfer?

No. Scanning a QR code between devices works offline as a direct transfer.

Can I use Authenticator on two phones at once?

Generally yes if both are signed into the same synced account.

Will transferring affect my 2-Step Verification settings?

No. It moves the codes only; your verification settings stay unchanged.