From now on it is possible to transfer your Google Authenticator account to a new iPhone. In this article we explain how it works.
Transfer Google Authenticator accounts: this is how it works
Google Authenticator is a handy tool to provide extra security for your accounts, through two-step verification. The Authenticator app gives you a code that you enter next to your password to log in to your accounts. The code is renewed every 30 seconds.
The app has now been updated. Besides a new design and the new dark mode, the most important new feature is that it is possible to transfer your accounts to a new iPhone. If you haven’t already done so, you will first need to update the app via the App Store. This is how you can then transfer your Google Authenticator accounts to a new iPhone:
- Open the Authenticator app;
- Tap the three dots at the top right of the screen and choose ‘Export Accounts’;
- Tap Continue and optionally give permission to use Face ID;
In this way, the app checks whether it is really you.
- Then tick the accounts you want to transfer;
- Tap on ‘Export’;
- You will now see a qr code. Grab your new device, download and open the Google Authenticator app.
- Press the plus sign at the bottom right and select ‘Scan QR code’;
- Scan the qr code on your old device with your new device and confirm your choice;
- Your accounts have now been transferred to your new iPhone.
More about two-step verification
It used to be a lot more difficult to switch devices, because you then had to register each account in Google Authenticator on your new device. That has now changed.
With two-step verification, you add an extra step to the security of your accounts, making you more secure against hacking. In addition to a password, you also need a code to access your account.
In addition to Google Authenticator, many similar apps can be found in the App Store. We’ve listed the best two-step verification apps. You can also add an extra layer of security for your Apple ID in this way. In addition, you can also set two-step verification for social media apps such as Instagram.