What should I do if I’ve activated 2FA, but lost access to the authentication app or it is not working? (2024)

FAQs

What to do if you lose access to Authenticator app? ›

If you can't access your Authenticator app, you can use alternative methods for logging into accounts. These may vary by platform, but here are some of the most common alternative verification methods: Text code: Entering a code sent via SMS is a common way to verify a user is legitimate.

If you've lost access to your 2FA device, you can recover your account by using backup codes, alternative recovery options like a secondary email or phone number, or by contacting customer support. Be ready to confirm your identity by answering a few security questions or providing proof of ID.

What if I can't access the computer, smartphone or authenticator app? If you no longer have access to the device you need for the multi authentication factor or cannot use the authentication app for other reasons, you will need to deactivate 2-factor authentication using the secret key generated during setup.

If you still have access to your old Authenticator and aren't using cloud backup, you can easily restore all of your accounts onto a new device by scanning your QR code with that device. The only way to recover Authenticator if you've lost your phone and weren't using cloud backup is to back up your QR code in advance.

Authenticator apps rely on the time set on your device to create the authentication code. If the time on your device does not match the time on your computer then the code will not work. Check the time and date on your phone and make sure they match the computer or device you are logging in from.

Under service settings, select Microsoft Authenticator app. Change the setting to Disabled.

On the Security info page, select the Delete link next to the Authenticator app. Select Yes when asked to confirm to delete the authenticator app. After the authenticator app is deleted, it's removed from your security info, and it disappears from the Security info page.

How to recover Google Authenticator without old phone? ›

You can't transfer Google Authenticator to a new phone without the old phone, but you can switch your Authenticator key to a new phone by logging into the 2-step verification section of your account settings and clicking Change authenticator app.

There are two ways to recovery lost authentication codes: * Use the QR code generated by doing an export. Obviously, this has to be done while one still has access to the old authenticator app. * Use the original site-specific QR codes to configure the new authenticator (assuming you saved them).

Use SMS or email verification: Microsoft provides the option to receive a verification code via SMS or email. This code can then be used to sign in to your account. Use a recovery code: Prior to losing access to the Authenticator app, it is important to generate a recovery code and store it in a safe place.

Use SMS or email verification: Microsoft provides the option to receive a verification code via SMS or email. This code can then be used to sign in to your account. Use a recovery code: Prior to losing access to the Authenticator app, it is important to generate a recovery code and store it in a safe place.

Transfer your Google Authenticator codes

When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device. If you use Google Authenticator without a Google Account, you can still manually transfer your codes to another device.