Does iCloud backup Google Authenticator?
The answer is NO. Google Authenticator does not save your settings, configured sites or whatsoever in the iTunes backup.
When you set up Google Authenticator two-factor authentication (2FA) in your account, you're prompted to download a backup key. This code lets you restore access to your account in case you change or lose your phone, or accidentally delete the Google Authenticator app.
First and foremost, there's no need to create an account, and you just have to remember one password. You can also sync and backup with all your devices via iCloud, including the Mac and the Apple Watch. Authenticator is really simple to use, and it's possible to import all your data from Google Authenticator.
If you're not logged in elsewhere and you've lost the smartphone with the authenticator, done a factory reset, or had it stolen (basically, if you no longer have access to it), or if the above method didn't work, you won't be able to recover the authenticator. What you can do now is restore access to your account.
When you first set up Google Authenticator, you may be given a set of backup codes and asked to print them out or otherwise save them. And you definitely do want to save them; print them out and put them somewhere safe or create a PDF and save it where nobody else can access it.
For this, launch the Authenticator app on your iOS device or Android device and select Settings. Next, select Backup, and then turn on iCloud backup for iOS or Cloud backup for Android to backup your account credentials. Make sure that the account you're recovering doesn't exist in the Microsoft Authenticator app.
If you've lost access to your primary phone, you can verify it's you with: Another phone signed in to your Google Account. Another phone number you've added in the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account. A backup code you previously saved.
The Google Authenticator app can be used on an Android, iPhone, or Blackberry device. To use Google Authenticator on your Android device, it must be running Android version 2.1 or later. To use Google Authenticator on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad device, you must have iOS5. 0 or later.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Gmail app .
- Tap Menu Settings your account name. Manage your Google Account. ...
- At the top, tap Security.
- Under "Signing in to Google," tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
- Under "Backup codes," tap Continue .
- From here you can:
- Open Microsoft Authenticator on the new phone. ...
- Tap on Restore from backup or Begin recovery depending on the screen that you are on. ...
- Login to your Microsoft account (or iCloud account) that contains the Cloud backup.
- Wait for the restore to complete.
How do I recover my lost Google Authenticator?
- Sign in to your Google Admin console. ...
- In the Admin console, go to Menu Directory. ...
- Click the user you want in the list. ...
- Click Security.
- Click 2-step verification. ...
- Click Get Backup Verification Codes.
- Copy one of the verification codes.
- Send the backup code to the user in an IM or text message.
If your device with 2FA (two factor authentication) is lost broken or stolen, you should and most likely have to change your passwords, set up 2FA again, and get new verification codes.
Transferring Google Authenticator Codes to a New Phone if your Phone is Lost. In case your phone is lost or got stolen, you can still transfer the codes to your new phone without your old device. You can recover your backup codes and use them to add them to your device. On your browser, go to your Google account.
Authenticator apps
The authenticator method uses apps such as Google Authenticator, LastPass, 1Password, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy and Yubico. However, while it's safer than 2FA via SMS, there have been reports of hackers stealing authentication codes from Android smartphones.
For most websites and apps, go to your account's security settings, then find "get a QR code", and scan it on your new phone to add the account. Some accounts such as internal line of business tools may require your administrator to reset or enable your multi-factor authentication access.
Is Google Authenticator safe? Google Authenticator is considered to be a safe app. However, two-factor authentication is not a panacea for all security ills, and Google Authenticator should also be used while keeping its limitations in mind .
- Sign in to your Google Admin console. ...
- In the Admin console, go to Menu Directory. ...
- Click the user you want in the list. ...
- Click Security.
- Click 2-step verification. ...
- Click Get Backup Verification Codes.
- Copy one of the verification codes.
- Send the backup code to the user in an IM or text message.
- Install Authenticator on your new phone.
- On your computer, visit Google's two-step verification site and log in to your Google account. ...
- Click Change Phone in the Authenticator app section. ...
- Open the Authenticator app on your new phone and tap Begin > Scan barcode.
- If you have Backup of Authenticator app, just restore it and the app will work as usual as it works offline without need of authentication from Google. ...
- If the above one doesn't work, you should try a different recovery option - Verification code by SMS, Recovery Email etc.
But what you may not be aware of is that if you use Google Authenticator for multi-factor authentication, this app and account do not transfer to your new phone. You must physically transfer your authenticator account to your new iPhone or Android before you wipe your old phone.
What happens to 2 step verification if I lost my phone?
If you didn't save your backup codes, and you've lost the phone that you use for 2-factor authentication – try calling your phone network to transfer your old number over to a new phone. You'll need a new SIM card for that, and it could take a day or two for it to activate.
- Go to your Google Account.
- On the left, click Security.
- Under "Signing in to Google," click 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
- Under "Backup codes," click Continue .
- From here you can: Get backup codes: To add backup codes, click Get backup codes.
Use Authenticator on multiple accounts or devices
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.