Google Authenticator introduces a new icon that allows for synchronizing two-factor authentication codes. From now on, passwords generated by this algorithm will be automatically synced to your Google account. It will also make it easier to access the account from another device in the event of loss or theft. Learn how in a few steps below.
One of the main disadvantages of using Google Authenticator is that until recently it was not possible to automatically synchronize code generation between devices.
Accounts can be exported and imported into the app manually, but if your smartphone is lost or stolen, you will lose access to your accounts temporarily.
How to sync 2FA codes between smartphones on Google Authenticator
Automatic resync relies on the Google account associated with the device, but is optional if you do not wish to sync your security codes to Google’s servers.
The manufacturer doesn’t impose any other kind of confirmation before syncing like Authy does. That said, here’s how to sync 2FA codes with Google Authenticator:
- Update or install Google Authenticator (Android | iOS).
- On the home screen, select the Google account to use to sync 2FA.
Syncing passwords is as easy as choosing a Google account. / © kwgeek
If you forget to select an account on first use, turning sync on is as easy as switching accounts in any other Google application:
- Click on your profile logo in the upper right corner
- Choose which Google accounts to sync 2FA with
You can switch between Google accounts and sync 2FA codes using the same steps above. / © kwgeek
In both cases, a green cloud icon in the upper right corner indicates that the 2FA code has been synced with the Google account. The next time you turn on Google Authenticator on a new phone, just select the same Google account for the 2FA generator and it will appear on the new device.
How to stop online 2FA sync on Google Authenticator?
If you want to stop code generation synchronization in Google Authenticator, the steps are similar:
- Click your profile picture in the upper right corner.
- choose Use without account.
- Click the button to confirm the action continue.
Tech companies are slowly starting to roll out Passkeys to replace passwords and 2FA, but two-factor authentication is clearly not going away anytime soon, and there are even fewer services supporting the new security standard. .
And you? How do you use two-factor authentication? Do you trust online security code synchronization? Or do you think that’s ancient history?
On the same topic, learn how to download and install Google Play Store on your Android smartphone. Did you know that Google is working on a new option to make your life easier on the Play Store.