Moving to a New Phone: How to Keep Getting Your Codes

Before moving to a new phone, keep your number active, move authenticator apps, save backup codes and sign in to key apps, so codes keep working.

Before you switch

1. Make sure your number moves with you: same SIM, eSIM transfer or carrier switch.
2. Move authenticator apps using their transfer or backup feature.
3. Save backup codes for email, money and social accounts.
4. Back up chat apps such as WhatsApp.
5. Check each important account has a recovery email.

After you switch

• Sign in to your email first; other recoveries often depend on it.
• Expect new-device codes from most apps.
• Register WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal on the same number.
• Wipe the old phone only once everything works.

Changing number too?

Update the number on every account while you still have the old one. See locked out after a number change.

Keep the old phone for a week

If you can, keep the old phone charged and offline for a week after switching. If an app still sends codes or prompts to it, you have it to hand.

FAQ

Will I get verification codes on my new phone?

Yes, if your number moves with you.

How do I move my authenticator app?

Use the app's transfer or backup feature before wiping the old phone.

What should I do first on a new phone?

Sign in to your main email.

Related: lost authenticator · WhatsApp on a new phone · eSIM vs SIM.