Sync Authenticator Codes with Another Google Account

This guide shows you how to transfer your Google Authenticator codes to a different Google account, so you can manage all your two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens in one place. You’ll need access to your current Authenticator app and the ability to receive a verification code on the new account.

What You’ll Need

Your current device with Google Authenticator installed and codes already set up.
The new Google account you want to sync to (you must be able to sign in to it).
A stable internet connection on both devices (if using a different phone).
Your phone’s camera (for QR code scanning) or the ability to type a setup key manually.

Step-by-Step

Open Google Authenticator on your current device. You’ll see a list of your existing accounts (each with a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds).
Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner (Android) or the “Edit� button (iOS). Choose “Transfer accounts� or “Export accounts�. On some versions, it’s under Settings > Transfer accounts.
Select the accounts you want to move. You can choose all or pick specific ones. Tap “Next� or “Export�.
Confirm your identity by entering your phone’s PIN, pattern, or biometric (fingerprint/face). This is required to export the codes.
A QR code will appear on your screen. Do not close this screen yet.
On the new device (or the same device if you’re switching accounts), open Google Authenticator. If you’re using a different phone, install the app from the app store. If you’re using the same phone, you’ll need to sign out of your current Google account in the app or use a second profile (if supported).
Tap the “+� button (usually a plus sign or “Add account�) and select “Scan QR code�.
Scan the QR code shown on your old device. The new device will add all the selected accounts and start generating codes.
Verify that the codes match between the old and new devices for at least one account. They should show the same six-digit number at the same time.
Once verified, delete the accounts from the old device (unless you want to keep them as a backup). To do this, go back to the account list, tap the three-dot menu, choose “Remove account�, and confirm. This prevents confusion and ensures you’re only using the new account.
Sign in to the new Google account on the device where you imported the codes. If you haven’t already, open your Google account settings and set up 2FA using the Authenticator app, linking it to the new account.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the old device before confirming the transfer – If you delete the accounts before verifying the new device works, you’ll lose access to all your 2FA codes and may be locked out of services.
Scanning with the wrong app – Some people accidentally scan the QR code with a generic QR scanner app instead of Google Authenticator. The code must be scanned within the Authenticator app’s “Add account� flow.
Not checking the time sync – If the codes on the new device don’t match, it’s often because the device’s time is incorrect. Ensure both devices have automatic time and timezone settings enabled.
Transferring accounts that are already backed up – If you previously enabled Google Authenticator’s cloud backup (for Google accounts), transferring may create duplicates. Be aware of which accounts are already synced.
Using the same phone but not signing out – If you’re moving to a different Google account on the same phone, you must sign out of the current Google account in Authenticator (or use a separate user profile) before importing, otherwise the codes may merge incorrectly.

Tips

Keep the old device until you’ve tested the new one – Always verify that the new device generates correct codes for at least a day before removing the old ones.
Use a backup method – Consider printing or saving the backup codes provided by each service when you set up 2FA. This gives you a fallback if you lose your phone.
Update both apps – Make sure you have the latest version of Google Authenticator on both devices to avoid compatibility issues.
Label your accounts clearly – When you add accounts, give them descriptive names (e.g., “Personal Gmail� vs. “Work Email�) to avoid confusion.
Enable cloud sync (if you trust it) – Google Authenticator now offers optional cloud backup for Google accounts. If you enable it, your codes will automatically sync across devices signed into the same Google account. This can simplify future transfers.

Troubleshooting

QR code won’t scan – Clean your camera lens, increase screen brightness, and hold the phone steady. If the code is still not scanning, tap “Enter setup key� and type the key manually (you can find it in the account details on the old device).
Codes don’t match after transfer – First, check that both devices show the same time. Go to Settings > Date & Time and enable “Automatic date & time.� If they still don’t match, you may have scanned the wrong QR code or missed an account. Repeat the export and import process.
“Transfer accounts� option is missing – If you don’t see this option, update Google Authenticator to the latest version. On older versions, you may need to manually add each account by scanning the QR code from the service’s 2FA setup page (you’ll need to re-authenticate with each service).
New device doesn’t show the imported accounts – After scanning, the accounts should appear immediately. If not, close and reopen the app, or restart your phone. If they still don’t appear, try the export again, ensuring you select the correct accounts.
You’re locked out of a service – Use the backup codes you saved when setting up 2FA. If you don’t have them, contact the service’s support to verify your identity and reset 2FA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer codes from Google Authenticator to a different phone without the QR code?

Yes, you can use the “Enter setup key� option. Each service provides a setup key (usually a long string of characters) when you enable 2FA. You can manually enter this key on the new device, but you’ll need to access the service’s security settings to retrieve it.

Will my codes stop working on the old device after transfer?

No, the codes will continue to work on the old device until you manually remove the accounts. The transfer process simply copies the secret keys; it doesn’t invalidate the old ones.

Does Google Authenticator sync across devices automatically?

Google Authenticator now offers optional cloud backup for Google accounts. If you enable it, your codes will sync across devices signed into the same Google account. However, this feature must be turned on in the app’s settings.

Can I have the same Authenticator codes on two different Google accounts?

Yes, you can have the same 2FA codes on multiple Google accounts by transferring them to each. However, it’s generally recommended to keep a single backup device to avoid security risks.

What if I lose my phone after transferring?

If you lose your phone, you can use backup codes or the recovery options provided by each service. If you had cloud sync enabled, you can restore your codes on a new device by signing into the same Google account.

Is it safe to transfer Authenticator codes?

Yes, the transfer process is secure as long as you use the official app and your device is protected with a PIN or biometric lock. The QR code contains your secret keys, so avoid sharing it with anyone.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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