Google has updated its 2FA Authenticator app for iOS with a new account transfer feature that makes it much easier to transfer two-factor authentication codes to a new iPhone.
2FA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a randomly generated six-digit code after you've entered your password. Google's app generates codes for your accounts on the fly, but until now the process of transferring accounts to a new iPhone was time-consuming and involved multiple steps.
Thankfully, that's no longer the case, and you can now select which accounts to export by tapping the three dots in the top-right corner of the app and choosing Export accounts.
After you've chosen which accounts to export (you can export up to 10 accounts at a time), the Authenticator app will generate a QR code. Scan this code using the Authenticator app on your new device, and the chosen accounts will be automatically transferred.
In addition to 2FA export, the latest update to the app also adds a refreshed interface and Dark Mode support, which respects your systemwide settings.
Remember, if you buy a new iPhone to replace your existing one and you use the Google Authenticator app, you should transfer those accounts to your new phone as soon as possible, because without the 2FA codes close at hand, you could find yourself locked out of your online accounts.
Google Authenticator is a free download for iPhone available on the App Store. [Direct Link]
Too few, too late. Authy has taken the spot as a decent and easy to transfer 2FA application with a much better approach of using iCloud storage for backups and restore. Move along, Google - you had your time.
Yep, I'm in the OTP Auth camp too (https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/otp-auth/id659877384). Hassle-free syncing across devices, Safari plugins to make entering the codes a doddle. I don't know why people would use Google's version. Even this solution requires that you have the new and old phone at the same time, so doesn't work for trade ins, or replacements of lost/broken phones.
I appreciate not storing the keys in the cloud is more secure, but come on, they're stored encrypted in iCloud with a key Apple don't have. I doubt anybody with the power to hack that is particularly interested in pretending to be me on MacRumors forums!
Wednesday February 2, 2022 12:01 pm PST by Juli Clover
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The best deals are on cellular...
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Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Dan's mini review highlights...
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Friday September 23, 2022 9:40 am PDT by Sami Fathi
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Top Rated Comments
I appreciate not storing the keys in the cloud is more secure, but come on, they're stored encrypted in iCloud with a key Apple don't have. I doubt anybody with the power to hack that is particularly interested in pretending to be me on MacRumors forums!