Switching to a New Phone and Transitioning Google Authenticator
Switching to a new phone can be an exciting experience, but it can also be a bit daunting when it comes to transferring important data such as your Google Authenticator app. Google Authenticator is a two-factor authentication app that provides an extra layer of security to your online accounts. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to transition your Google Authenticator to your new phone.
If you are switching to a new phone and having trouble moving your Google Authenticator for the Open VPN to the new phone, please follow the below steps:- On your old phone, update the Google Authenticator app to the latest version
- Open the Google Authenticator
- Click on the three dots menu on the top right corner
- Select the 'Transfer accounts’ -> ‘Export Accounts’ (Android) or ‘Export Accounts’ (iphone)
- It will list all your accounts that uses GA
- Uncheck all except the OpenVPN and press Next
- You will get the QR code for that account, you can use this QR code to setup the GA on the new phone
Informational
Before we dive into the steps, it is important to understand what Google Authenticator is and how it works. Google Authenticator is a mobile app that generates a unique code every 30 seconds, which is used as a second factor of authentication when logging into your online accounts. This code is required in addition to your username and password to access your account, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access.
Steps to Transition Google Authenticator
Here are the steps you need to follow to transition your Google Authenticator to your new phone:
1. Install Google Authenticator on Your New Phone
The first step is to install the Google Authenticator app on your new phone. You can download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Disable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Accounts
Before you can transfer your Google Authenticator to your new phone, you need to disable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This is because your old phone will still have the Google Authenticator app installed, and you won't be able to access the codes on your new phone until you disable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
3. Re-Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Your Accounts
Once you have disabled two-factor authentication on your accounts, you can re-enable it and set up Google Authenticator on your new phone. You will need to scan the QR code provided by each account to add it to Google Authenticator on your new phone.
4. Keep Your Old Phone Handy
It is important to keep your old phone handy until you have successfully transitioned Google Authenticator to your new phone. This is because some accounts may require you to enter a code from your old phone to verify your identity.
Conclusion
Transitioning Google Authenticator to a new phone may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your online accounts remain secure and that you can access them from your new phone. Remember to keep your old phone handy until the transition is complete, and always enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for added security.