After I change my old smartphone to LG Q6, I would like to transfer all apps to it. I used Google Authenticator for a bunch of websites as the Two-factor Authentication. I just found Google Authenticator cannot move all these accounts to my new phone. To do the transferring, I have to manually re-add it to Google Authenticator of the new phone.

So, I did a little bit of research. I found Authy is a good replacement. There is a blog post to compare these two facilities on Authy’s website.

For me, I personally like the following features:

  • Multi-device support
  • Support Windows and Mac as well
  • Support backups

Looks cool.

First, I checked all the accounts in my Google Authenticator app. Sign in the website one by one, disabled the old 2FA, which is powered by Google Authenticator.

Second, add a new 2FA, use Authy to scan the barcode on the screen. Complete the addition.

Third, remove the account from the Google Authenticator app.

Follow the procedures above, I transferred all accounts, except Google account itself.

If I don’t want to use Google Authenticator, how to handle Google account’s 2-step verification?

I go to Google 2-step verification webpage. I have three ways of 2-step verification.

  1. Google Authenticator (Default)
  2. Voice or Text message to my cell phone
  3. Backup codes

The default is Google Authenticator. I deleted the Authenticator first. Google told me that Voice or text message is changed to default.

I think it may have the problem when I am going abroad. My cell phone has no roaming plan.

OK, I found Google 2-step verification has an alternative way, Google prompt. It is OK to use it instead of Google Authenticator.

When you sign in to your Google Account, you’ll get a “Trying to sign in?” prompt sent to your phone.

 

 

The very last step is to uninstall Google Authenticator from my smartphone, my tablets.

David Yin

David is a blogger, geek, and web developer — founder of FreeInOutBoard.com. If you like his post, you can say thank you here

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