To move codes from Google Authenticator to a different authenticator app, export them as QR code(s) from the old app and scan every code with a destination app that supports Google Authenticator imports. Keep Google Authenticator and your old device available until you have confirmed each imported account and tested sign-ins. If you only want the codes on another device running Google Authenticator, sign in to the same Google Account there instead; synced codes will appear in the app.
Choose the right transfer method
- Moving to another authenticator app: Use Google Authenticator’s QR export, then scan the code or codes in an app that supports that import format.
- Moving Google Authenticator to another device: If your codes are synced to a Google Account, install Google Authenticator on the new device and sign in to that account. This restores them within Google Authenticator; it does not transfer them into a different app.
- Codes were not synced and the old device is unavailable: Google says you may need to visit each service where Authenticator was configured, remove the old codes, and enroll the new device.
Google describes Authenticator codes as one-time verification codes for sites and apps that support Authenticator app 2-Step Verification: Google Account Help.
Export Google Authenticator codes and import them
- On the old device, update or install the latest Google Authenticator. Install the destination authenticator app on the device where you want the codes.
- In Google Authenticator on the old device, tap Menu > Transfer codes > Export codes.
- Unlock the device when prompted, select the accounts you want to move, and tap Next.
- In the destination app, open its import or QR-scanning flow and scan the QR code displayed by Google Authenticator. If Google Authenticator displays more than one QR code, scan each one.
- Check the destination app’s account list against the accounts you selected for export. Do not delete the old entries or uninstall the source app yet.
These steps follow Google’s current manual-transfer instructions: Google Account Help: Transfer Google Authenticator codes.
Which apps can import the Google Authenticator export?
| App | Documented route | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| 2FAS Auth | Choose Import tokens > Google Authenticator > Scan QR code, or use the add button and scan the export QR. | For same-phone imports, 2FAS documents different workarounds for iOS and Android. Its guide says to repeat the export for batches larger than 10 services. |
| Aegis Authenticator | The Android app’s project README lists Google Authenticator as an import source and supports QR and image scanning. | Inspect the vault after importing: Aegis release notes describe fixing cases where Google Authenticator QR imports did not actually add entries. |
| Microsoft Authenticator | Microsoft documents scanning a QR code supplied by an individual service when adding a non-Microsoft account. | This is per-service enrollment, not documented support for importing Google Authenticator’s bulk export QR. Microsoft says third-party OTP accounts can be backed up and restored, but backup restoration must be on the same device type. |
Sources: 2FAS support, Aegis project README, and Microsoft Support. Microsoft Authenticator does not allow codes to be exported, according to 2FAS; leaving it later may require copying secret keys where available or setting up MFA again at each service.
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Scan the QR code when both apps are on one phone
iPhone or iPad with 2FAS
2FAS says iOS users can save a screenshot of Google Authenticator’s export QR and select that image in the 2FAS scanner. Delete the screenshot after confirming the import.
Android with 2FAS
Google Authenticator blocks screenshots on Android, according to 2FAS. Its instructions suggest displaying the QR on the old device, photographing it with another device, then scanning that image in 2FAS. A second camera-equipped device is a workaround, not a requirement if you can scan the QR directly on a separate destination device.
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2FAS’s instructions, including its guidance to repeat exports for batches of more than 10 services, are at 2FAS support.
Verify the transfer before removing the old setup
- Confirm every expected account appears in the destination app, especially when Google Authenticator generated multiple QR codes.
- Check that each entry produces a current code, and test a sign-in with each important service while the old app and device are still available.
- Only after successful checks should you remove the old authenticator entry or retire the old device’s setup.
The export QR contains the information needed to transfer authenticator codes. Treat it like a credential: show it only to the intended destination scanner, do not send or post it through an untrusted channel, and delete temporary screenshots or photographs after the transfer is confirmed.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
If an imported code is rejected
- Check the account and service: Make sure you are entering the code for the correct account and website or app.
- Check timing: Use a current code before it expires and confirm the device’s date and time are correct. Google says Authenticator works without internet or mobile service. In app version 7.0, Google says the time-correction setting is no longer available and the app uses the operating system’s time.
- Confirm the import completed: Look for the expected entry in the destination app rather than assuming a successful QR scan added it. Aegis release notes have documented a fix for cases where entries were not added during Google Authenticator QR import.
- Re-enroll if necessary: If you cannot get a working code and still have access to the service, use that service’s account-security settings to remove the old authenticator and set up the new app.
Google’s version and offline-use guidance is in Google Account Help; its advice for a lost device and unsynced codes is in Google’s Authenticator best practices.
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Google recommends syncing Authenticator codes to a Google Account, enabling Privacy Screen, and enrolling additional 2-Step Verification methods. Those steps can make recovery easier, but syncing codes restores them in Google Authenticator; a move to a different app still requires a supported import or per-service re-enrollment. See Google Account Help for its recommendations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The information below is per-pack only
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
