To add another Google Account in Google Authenticator, open the app, tap your profile picture or initials, choose Add another account, select or sign in to the account, then tap Continue when asked whether to start saving codes to it. This adds a Google Account for syncing Authenticator codes; it does not enroll a website or app for two-step verification.
Add another Google Account
- Open Google Authenticator. This process assumes the app is already set up with a Google Account.
- On the home screen, tap your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.
- Tap Add another account.
- Select the Google Account you want to add, or sign in to a different Google Account.
- When prompted to start saving codes to that Google Account, tap Continue.
Authenticator can sync codes for multiple Google Accounts and display them in the same app. To find codes associated with a particular account, tap the profile menu and check which account is selected.
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What “another account” can mean
Adding a Google Account for code sync
The steps above add or select a Google Account for saving and syncing Authenticator codes. Syncing requires Google Authenticator version 6.0 or later on Android, or version 4.0 or later on iOS. Google also specifies Android 6.0 or later to use the app on Android; its guidance does not state an iOS operating-system minimum.
You can use Authenticator without signing in to a Google Account. In that mode, codes stay on the device and are not available on other devices through Google Account sync. Code generation itself works without an internet connection or mobile service; that is separate from signing in or syncing.
#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.
Adding a website or app’s verification code
To add a code for a website or app, begin in that service’s own security or two-step verification settings—not in Authenticator’s Add another account menu. The service must support authenticator-app verification and provide a QR code or setup key to add its entry to Authenticator. Google describes the app as generating one-time codes for sites and apps that support Authenticator app 2-Step Verification. Google Account Help: Get verification codes with Google Authenticator.
If codes are missing or rejected
- Check the selected Google Account. Codes may be associated with a different account in the profile menu. If they are not visible, Google suggests switching accounts or using Authenticator without an account to locate codes stored locally.
- Check the code and service. Confirm the code has not expired and that it is for the correct website or app.
- Check device time. Make sure the phone’s time is correct and synced for your local time zone.
- For a managed work or school account: if you cannot sign in, Google says you may use another backup option or contact your administrator. An administrator’s help does not guarantee that organizational security requirements can be bypassed. See Google Account Help: Fix common issues with 2-Step Verification.
Moving codes to a new phone is a separate task
If Authenticator is signed in to a Google Account, Google says codes sync automatically after you sign in to that account on the new device. If you use Authenticator without a Google Account, transfer codes from the old phone using the app’s export and import tools:
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
- On the old device, open Authenticator and choose Menu > Transfer codes > Export codes. Unlock the device, select the accounts to export, and tap Next.
- On the new device, choose Menu > Transfer codes > Import codes and scan the QR code displayed by the old device.
- Follow any additional QR-code prompts. Exporting several accounts may create more than one QR code; Authenticator confirms when the codes have been transferred.
Google’s full instructions are in Get verification codes with Google Authenticator. A physical security key is a separate two-step verification method, not a requirement for adding an account in Authenticator. Google explains that method in Use a security key for 2-Step Verification.
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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.
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
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