Google Authenticator is a foolproof password generator to protect your smartphone! Forgot your login details? Don't panic, we know how to help. One of the fastest ways to recover your Google Authenticator account is by using a QR code or a secret key . Eager to learn more and see how you can recover your account? Let's go!
First, here's a short video reminder of what Google Authenticator is and how to use it!
Lost Google Authenticator: What You Need to Know
When you first access Google Authenticator, you probably noticed that it doesn't ask for any type of email address or username. This is to prevent you from signing in with a device other than the one you used when creating your account.
When you create your account, Google provides you with a password and a QR code so you can enter it in the Google Authenticator app. This information is important and you should keep it in a safe place, or even print it out!
Recommendation ! To avoid losing your password and to secure important files, we strongly recommend backing everything up to a secure USB drive ! Here are 3 proven models :
Indeed, if your mobile phone is lost, Google Authenticator will offer no way to recover your data. You then risk losing access to all the accounts you had previously registered.
If you have your QR code, simply download the application again, tap the plus sign, scan the QR code and you will automatically retrieve the random codes corresponding to that account.
If unfortunately you do not have them, you must contact the technical support of each of the registered accounts and ask them to restore access in accordance with their security policies.
Retrieve Google Authenticator with your secret key or QR code: the method!
One of the fastest ways to recover your Google Authenticator account is by using a QR code or a secret key. Google provides this information when you use the app for the first time.
The fact is that if you lose your phone or install a new app, you'll need this information to regain access to the platform. Here are the steps to follow if you want to recover your Google Authenticator account using your secret key or QR code :
Step 1: Install Google Authenticator on your mobile device.
Step 2: Find the QR code and secret key that Google provided you when you authenticated your account.
Step 3: Open the application and enter the secret key in " Manual Entry " (on iOS) or " Enter the provided password " (on Android) along with your username.
If you want to be faster, you can scan the QR code associated with this key (a screenshot will do). Of course, this will only work if you have previously saved the secret code/key.
How do I retrieve my Google Authenticator security key?
Can't find your security key? Or has it been stolen? Fortunately, you still have one last option to access your account and recover your Google Authenticator .
First, we remind you that everything depends on whether you have previously configured a second verification step. This will allow you to access an alternative key, a security code, or a text message…
Once the second configuration step is complete, follow these steps:
Step 1: Sign in to your Google account using your password and second verification step.
Step 2: Follow the guidelines provided by Google to remove the lost security key .
Step 3: Next, obtain a new key. Ideally, you should have two: the main key and another one to serve as an alternative.
Step 4: Register it by logging in from a compatible browser.
Good to know : Looking for an anonymous mobile browser to protect your browsing history? If so, consider using a cookie-free browser !
If you don't have a second step or password, follow Google's instructions to recover your account . Typically, they will ask you to enter a different email address or phone number so they can contact you.
They will also send you a code that you should write down somewhere. This code will allow you to confirm to Google that you actually have access to that email address or phone number. For your information, the identity verification can take between 3 and 5 business days.
Use an alternative app to recover your Google Authenticator account
Are you still unable to access your account and retrieve your Google Authenticator? Don't worry! There's one last option to try.
The latter involves using an alternative application: Authy !
This is a completely free application that you can use to set up two-step verification in Google Authenticator. You can also use it if you encounter the same problem with certain services such as Facebook, Outlook, Dropbox, or Amazon .
One of its main advantages is that it generates backup copies stored in the cloud . To do this, it uses the exact same algorithms that banks use to store their customers' confidential information.
What should you do if you have lost your smartphone?
Have you lost access to your primary mobile device? Well, you can still verify your identity on a new one . Google offers a variety of alternatives to help you confirm your identity. After that, you'll have a good chance of regaining access to your Google Authenticator account.
To achieve this, simply sign in to your Google account on the new phone and complete a new verification . Follow Google's instructions to regain access to your account. If this fails, feel free to use one of the methods described above.
Some tips to consider when using Google Authenticator
We've just looked at the different methods that can help you regain access to your lost Google Authenticator account. Now it's time to give you some additional tips to keep in mind when using Authenticator.
- Carefully check the information when you update your device. System updates often change application defaults, so we strongly recommend reviewing the information after your phone has been updated.
- If you are unable to access the application, please check that the basic settings are still present. Changes to your time zone can frequently affect the application.
- If you lose your phone, be sure to report it to Google as stolen or lost . Then, log in to your computer as soon as possible and change the password for all your Google apps.
