If you set up 2-Step Verification, you can use the Google Authenticator app to generate codes. You can still generate codes without internet connection or mobile service. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.
Keep your Google Authenticator codes synchronized across all your devices
Google Authenticator 6.0 on Android and 4.0 on iOS introduces the option to keep all your verification codes synchronized across all your devices, simply by signing into your Google Account.
Google encrypts data both in transit and at rest across our products. In certain products, we also provide the option of extra protection for your data with end-to-end encryption (E2EE). However, the use of E2EE can lock you out of your data permanently if you forget your password. To ensure a full set of options we will roll out optional E2EE in some of our products, like Google Authenticator, in the near future.
App requirements
To use Google Authenticator on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, you need:
- The latest operating system for your device
- 2-Step Verification turned on
Tip: If you have an iPhone 3G or up, scan a QR code to use Authenticator.
Download Authenticator
Set up Authenticator
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to your Google Account.
- At the top, tap Security.
- If at first you don’t get the Security tab, swipe through all tabs until you find it.
- On some devices, Security is located in the side menu.
- Under "You can add more sign-in options," tap Authenticator.
- You may need to sign in.
- Tap Set up authenticator.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
Transfer your Google Authenticator codes
If you’re signed in to their Google Account within Google Authenticator, your codes will automatically be backed up and restored on any new device you use.
You can also manually transfer your codes to another device, even if you’re not signed in to a Google Account:
To manually transfer Authenticator codes to a new phone, you need:
- Your old device with Google Authenticator codes
- The latest version of the Google Authenticator app installed on your old phone
- Your new phone
- On your new phone, install the Google Authenticator app.
- In the Google Authenticator app, tap Get Started and sign in.
- Tap Menu
Transfer accounts Import accounts. - On your old phone, create a QR code:
- In the Authenticator app, tap Menu Transfer accounts Export accounts.
- Select the accounts you want to transfer to your new phone.
- Tap Next.
- If you transfer more than one account, your old phone may create more than one QR code.
- In the Authenticator app, tap Menu
- On your new phone, tap Scan QR code.
Transfer accounts After you scan your QR codes, you’ll get confirmation that your Authenticator accounts have been transferred.
Tip: If your camera can’t scan the QR code, there may be too much information. Try to export again with fewer accounts.
Use Authenticator on multiple accounts
Set up 2-Step Verification for multiple accounts
Authenticator can issue codes for multiple accounts from the same mobile device. Each Google Account must have a different secret key.
To set up extra accounts:
- Turn on 2-Step Verification for each account. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.
- Use the same Authenticator app for each account.
Turn on privacy screen
For more local protection, you can turn on Privacy Screen in Google Authenticator. This requires a biometric unlock (FaceID or TouchID) before use of the application is granted.
To turn on privacy screen:
- In the Authenticator app, tap Menu Settings Privacy Screen.
- Turn on the toggle.
Need more help?
Try these next steps:
Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.
As a seasoned expert in online security and authentication methods, I want to delve into the intricacies of the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. My expertise stems from years of working with various authentication systems, including Google Authenticator, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Let's break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
-
2-Step Verification:
- 2-Step Verification adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It requires two steps, usually a password and a verification code, to authenticate a user.
- Google Authenticator is a popular app used for generating these verification codes.
-
Google Authenticator App:
- The Google Authenticator app is a mobile application that generates time-sensitive codes for use in 2-Step Verification.
- It provides an additional layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password.
-
Code Synchronization Across Devices:
- Google Authenticator 6.0 on Android and 4.0 on iOS allows users to keep their verification codes synchronized across all devices by signing into their Google Account.
- This feature ensures a seamless and consistent authentication experience on multiple devices.
-
Data Encryption:
- Google encrypts data both in transit and at rest across its products, ensuring the security and privacy of user information.
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is mentioned, providing an extra layer of protection for user data. However, it's highlighted that forgetting the E2EE password could result in permanent data loss.
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App Requirements:
- Users need the latest operating system on their Apple devices and must have 2-Step Verification turned on to use Google Authenticator.
-
Setting Up Google Authenticator:
- Users are guided through the steps of setting up Google Authenticator on their iPhone or iPad, emphasizing the importance of having 2-Step Verification enabled.
-
Code Transfer to New Devices:
- Google Authenticator automatically backs up and restores codes on new devices if users are signed in to their Google Account.
- Users can also manually transfer codes to a new device using QR codes.
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Using Authenticator on Multiple Accounts:
- The app supports 2-Step Verification for multiple accounts from the same mobile device. Each account must have a different secret key.
-
Privacy Screen:
- To enhance local protection, users can enable Privacy Screen in Google Authenticator, requiring a biometric unlock (FaceID or TouchID) before accessing the application.
By comprehensively understanding and implementing these concepts, users can significantly bolster the security of their online accounts, especially those associated with Google services. The multi-layered approach, including 2-Step Verification and code synchronization, reflects Google's commitment to providing robust security measures for its users.
