Method 1: Built-In Transfer (Google Authenticator App)

Google Authenticator has a built-in transfer feature that moves all your codes at once. You need both phones available at the same time.

  1. 1

    On your old phone — open Google Authenticator

    Open the Google Authenticator app on your current phone.

  2. 2

    Tap the three dots → Transfer accounts → Export accounts

    Tap the three vertical dots in the top right. Select Transfer accounts, then Export accounts. You may need to verify your identity with a fingerprint or PIN.

  3. 3

    Select accounts to export and tap Next

    Select all accounts or specific ones. Tap Next. A QR code (or multiple QR codes if you have many accounts) appears on screen.

  4. 4

    On your new phone — install Google Authenticator

    Download Google Authenticator from the App Store or Play Store on your new phone. Open it.

  5. 5

    Tap + → Scan a QR code → scan the export QR

    Tap the + button → Scan a QR code. Point the new phone's camera at the QR code displayed on your old phone. All selected accounts transfer instantly and appear in Authenticator on the new phone.

  6. 6

    Verify the codes work before logging out of the old phone

    Test that the codes on your new phone are working by logging into one of your accounts using the new phone's code. Only once verified should you rely solely on the new phone.

If you no longer have the old phoneIf you lost or wiped your old phone without transferring first, you need to use the backup codes you saved when setting up 2FA on each account. If you did not save backup codes, use the account recovery process for each service — this can take days. This is why saving backup codes when setting up 2FA is so important.

Method 2: Sign Into Google Account in Authenticator

Google Authenticator now supports Google account sync. If you sign into your Google account within the Authenticator app, your codes back up to Google and restore automatically on a new device. Set this up on your old phone: tap your profile icon in Authenticator → sign in with your Google account.

Consider switching to AuthyAuthy backs up all 2FA codes encrypted to the cloud, making phone changes trivially easy. If you frequently change phones or are worried about losing 2FA access, Authy is more practical than Google Authenticator for most people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — the export process copies the codes, it does not move them. Both phones will generate valid codes simultaneously. The underlying secret key is duplicated. If you want to ensure only the new phone has access, delete the accounts from the old phone after verifying the new one works.
Yes — the transfer QR code process works across platforms. Export from Android, scan with iPhone, and the codes work identically regardless of operating system.