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You generally can’t transfer Google Authenticator’s exported QR code directly into Microsoft Authenticator using the workflows the companies document. To move your two-step verification codes, re-enroll each account with its service: generate a new setup QR code in that service’s security settings, scan it with Microsoft Authenticator, and confirm a code before removing the old entry.
Can you transfer Google Authenticator codes directly to Microsoft Authenticator?
Google documents syncing codes to another device running Google Authenticator, or exporting accounts as QR codes for import into Google Authenticator. Microsoft’s instructions for third-party accounts instead use the QR code generated by each account’s own security or setup page. The reviewed instructions do not describe importing Google Authenticator’s export QR into Microsoft Authenticator; that conclusion follows from comparing the documented workflows, not from an explicit statement that the apps are incompatible.
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Google Authenticator’s account sync can help you get codes onto another device, but it keeps them in Google Authenticator. To have Microsoft Authenticator generate codes, set it up separately with each website or service.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Google Account sync in Google Authenticator | You want codes on another device and will continue using Google Authenticator. | Signing in to the same Google Account within Google Authenticator on the new device syncs codes to it. | It does not move the codes into Microsoft Authenticator. |
| Re-enroll each account in Microsoft Authenticator | You want Microsoft Authenticator to generate the codes. | Each service provides a fresh setup QR code, which you scan in Microsoft Authenticator and confirm with a code. | You must repeat the setup for each account and be able to access its security settings and verification process. |
Sources: Google Account Help and Microsoft Support.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
How to move accounts into Microsoft Authenticator
- Keep the old phone and Google Authenticator entries available. You may need the working codes to sign in to each service and complete its setup flow.
- Open the account’s security settings. Sign in to the website or service, then find its two-step verification, two-factor authentication, or authenticator-app settings. The exact labels vary by service.
- Start authenticator-app setup. Choose the option to add or set up an authenticator app. The service should display a new QR code. Use the service’s own setup QR—not Google Authenticator’s account-export QR.
- Add the account in Microsoft Authenticator. In the app, add an account and choose Other account for a third-party service. Scan the QR code displayed by that service.
- Confirm the new code with the service. If prompted, enter the current code shown in Microsoft Authenticator on the service’s confirmation page. Then test signing in with the new code if possible.
- Repeat for every account. An authenticator app stores codes for individual services, so completing setup for one account does not move the others.
Microsoft’s guidance describes the general process this way: “If you have non-Microsoft accounts, such as for Amazon, Facebook, or Google, you can add them to Authenticator for two-step verification, or if your site or service supports adding an account using a QR code, you can set up Authenticator as a way to sign in.” Microsoft’s Google-account example likewise starts in Google Account security settings, where Google generates the QR code, and verifies a code from Microsoft Authenticator.
When is it safe to remove the old Google Authenticator entry?
Remove the old entry only after the service accepts a code from Microsoft Authenticator and you have confirmed you can sign in. Leave the old phone intact until you have tested the accounts that matter to you; deleting the old setup too soon can leave you without a working second factor if enrollment did not complete.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C 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 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C 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
- Save or refresh the service’s recovery methods and backup codes in its own security settings.
- For important accounts, test a sign-in using the Microsoft Authenticator code before wiping, trading in, or resetting the old phone.
- If the service does not offer an authenticator-app option or you cannot complete verification, use that service’s documented recovery or account-support process rather than deleting the old entry.
What if the old phone is unavailable?
If Google Authenticator codes were synced to your Google Account, signing in to that account in Google Authenticator on a new device can sync them there. This restores access to Google Authenticator codes; it does not enroll them in Microsoft Authenticator.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIf the codes were not synced and the old device is unavailable, Google says you must visit each service where Google Authenticator was configured, remove the old authenticator setup, and link a new one. You will need to use each service’s available sign-in and recovery methods. If the codes were synced, Google says you can remove codes by removing the device from that Google Account. Google’s transfer and lost-device guidance explains these cases.
Rank #3
- 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
Does Microsoft Authenticator backup transfer the codes?
Microsoft Authenticator’s backup and restore is limited to the same device type—for example, iOS to iOS or Android to Android. It is a separate process from moving accounts out of Google Authenticator, and it does not replace re-enrolling accounts with their services when switching apps.
Microsoft says third-party accounts may restore their one-time password (OTP) codes. Work or school account entries restore only the account name, so you need to sign in again. Microsoft’s current backup guidance also says that starting in January 2027, Android users will no longer use a personal Microsoft account to enable backup and will need to enable Authenticator through Google One backup. Because that is a future-dated policy statement, check Microsoft’s current instructions if setting up backup on or after that date. For iOS, Microsoft’s instructions call for iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, iCloud Backup, and Authenticator in the Saved to iCloud list.
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.
For details, see Microsoft’s Authenticator backup and restore guidance.
What to expect from authenticator codes
Microsoft says the codes in Authenticator change every 30 seconds; Google gives the same interval for third-party account codes. Use the code currently displayed when the service asks you to confirm setup or sign in. Microsoft’s account setup instructions and backup guidance cover these code and account details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 is a versatile physical passkey that protects 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 secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 via USB and tap it 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.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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