Lost the Phone With Your Authenticator App? How to Get Back In

Lost the phone with your authenticator app? Use backup codes, another sign-in method or account recovery, then set the app up again.

Ways back in

1. Backup codes you saved when turning on two-step sign-in.
2. Another method on the account: text, email, a passkey or a security key.
3. Cloud backup of the authenticator app, if you turned it on.
4. Account recovery through the service's help pages.

After you are in

• Remove the old phone from the account's two-step settings.
• Add the authenticator on your new phone.
• Save a fresh set of backup codes.
• Add a second method, such as a passkey or security key.

Next time

Turn on backup in your authenticator app if it offers it, and keep backup codes in a password manager.

See authenticator apps explained.

Service by service

Each service has its own recovery. Start with your email, then accounts that hold money, then the rest. Write down which ones you recovered so none are missed.

FAQ

Can I recover my authenticator codes?

Only if the app was backed up. Otherwise use backup codes or recovery.

What are backup codes?

One-time codes you save when turning on two-step sign-in.

Can I move an authenticator to a new phone?

Yes, with the app's transfer feature, before you lose the old phone.

Related: authenticator apps · codes on a new phone · passkeys.