How to recover Google Authenticator

Have you lost access to your Google Authenticator account? In that case, it's understandable that you might feel a bit worried. In this post we explain all the possible procedures to recover Google Authenticator quickly and safely. In just a few steps, you'll be using your apps and accounts as usual, while keeping your personal information safe.

If you keep the secret key or QR code of your Google Authenticator, you are halfway to recovering your account. Otherwise you will have to sign in with your gmail account associated with your Google account and take certain steps that we will explain below. Finally, if you also do not remember your Gmail username and password and you do not have a session open on another device, such as a computer, it will be time to contact Google customer service.

What is Google Authenticator?

Surely you already know that Google Authenticator is a very useful tool for protect your mobile and personal data from possible attacks or theft. It is an application available for Android and iOS mobiles that adds an additional security layer to accounts and personal information.

The app enables two-step verification or 2FA, since it generates a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. This code is required, along with your password, to access other applications and accounts protected with Google authenticator. In this way, it is essential to have at hand the mobile where the Google Authenticator app is installed to know what the access code to enter is.

Now, things could get complicated if we lose the mobile where the Google Authenticator app is installed, if we change the device or if it is restored to the factory. In these cases, it would be necessary reinstall the app and recover the account associated with our data and personal information. How to do it? Let's see two ways: through the secret key or QR code of Google Authenticator and through your Gmail account.

How to recover Google Authenticator?

Next, we explain what they are the best methods to access your Google Authenticator accounts and passwords again. First of all, we will test using the secret key or QR code that the app provides when downloading it. Second, we'll see how to regain access to your Google Authenticator account using your Gmail account.

Using the secret key or QR code

The first option is recover Google Authenticator with your secret key or QR code. This is the fastest and easiest way, but it requires that you have previously saved this data when you first set up the app. If you didn't, you can skip this step and move on to the next one.

The secret key is a 16-digit code that the Google Authenticator app provides when you first download and set it up. Along with this, it also provides a QR code that fulfills the same function. These data are requested in case you want to use your account on another mobile that you own. That is why it is so important to keep this information in a safe place.

If you have the secret key or QR code, these are the steps you must follow:

1. Install Google Authenticator on your new mobile.
2. Open the app and select “Manual input” (on iOS) or “Enter the provided key” (on Android).
3. Enter your username and the 16-character secret key that Google gave you when you turned on two-step verification.
4. Optionally, you can scan the QR code associated with that key, if you have a screenshot of it.
5. Ready! You can now access your Google Authenticator codes on your new mobile.

Through your Gmail account

The vast majority of those who search the Internet for 'how to recover Google Authenticator' is because they have lost the secret key and QR code. If that is your case, You will have to use your Gmail account to access the security options and make the phone change. Next, you will see what are the steps to follow to recover your Google Authenticator through your Gmail account.

1. Go to the Gmail login page and click on "Forgot your email?", if you don't remember it.
2. Google will ask you to enter a phone number or some other recovery email that you have previously added.
3. Follow the instructions Google sends you to verify your identity and retrieve your email.
4. Once you have access to your Gmail account, go to “Security” and then “XNUMX-Step Verification”.
5. Click on “Change phone” and select the type of device you have (Android or iPhone).
6. Download and install Google Authenticator on your new mobile and scan the QR code that Google will show you on the screen.
7. Enter the 6-digit code that the app will give you to confirm the phone change.
8. Ready! You can now use Google Authenticator on your new mobile with your Gmail account.

How to transfer Google Authenticator codes to a new mobile?

Finally, let's talk about how to transfer Google Authenticator codes to a new mobile. Suppose you are going to change your mobile and you need to transfer your Google Authenticator from the old mobile to the new one. There is a very simple way to do it, but it only works if you still have access to the old mobile where you had the Google Authenticator app installed. In addition, it is necessary that you have the latest updated version of the app installed.

1. On your old mobile, open Google Authenticator and tap on the three dots icon in the top right corner.
2. Select “Transfer accounts” and then “Export accounts”.
3. Choose the accounts you want to transfer and tap “Next”.
4. A QR code will appear on the screen that you must scan with your new mobile.
5. On your new phone, install Google Authenticator and open the app.
6. Tap "Get Started" and then "Do you want to import existing accounts?"
7. Scan the QR code that shows you the old mobile with the new one.
8. Verify that the accounts have been transferred successfully and you can now use Google Authenticator on your new mobile.

As you can see, it is possible to recover Google Authenticator, whether you have lost your mobile or still have access to it. In any case, it is very important that take the precaution of saving the keys and passwords, both of the app and of your Google account. This way you save yourself a couple of scares and avoid exposing your data and personal information.