Otter

Moving your two-factor accounts to another app

Some authenticators can export your accounts, many cannot. When they cannot, there is still a safe way: move each account from the service itself, one at a time. It is slower, and it never locks you out.

First, check what your current app allows

  • Authy: no export. Each account is added again from its service.
  • Microsoft Authenticator: no export either. Same method.
  • Google Authenticator: exports transfer QR codes in a format of Google’s own, which some apps read and Otter does not.
  • Aegis, 2FAS and Ente Auth: export to a file, which other apps can often import.

The method, account by account

Otter adds accounts from the QR code or the key a service gives you, so with Otter, the method below is the one to use.

  1. Install the new app and set it up

    Keep the old one installed and working for now. You will need its codes during the move.

  2. Sign in to the service

    Use the code from the old app as usual, then open the security settings, often called Security, Sign-in or Two-step verification.

  3. Set up a new authenticator

    Look for Change, Add an authenticator app or Set up again. Some services ask you to turn two-factor authentication off and on again: if so, turn it back on straight away.

  4. Scan the QR code with the new app

    In Otter, tap Scan a QR code. If you cannot scan it, the service can show the key as text: choose Enter a key manually and type it in.

  5. Confirm with the new code

    The service asks for a code to finish. Type the one from the new app. Once it is accepted, the old app’s code for that account usually stops working.

  6. Delete the account from the old app

    Only after the new code has been accepted. Then move on to the next service.

Where to start

Start with your email account: it is the key to resetting everything else. Then the accounts that hold money, then the rest. Note each service as you go, and save the new recovery codes when the service offers them.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Deleting the old app before every account has been moved and tested.
  • Scanning the new QR code into the old app out of habit: check which app is open.
  • Ignoring the new recovery codes some services issue when the authenticator changes. Keep them somewhere other than the phone.

Try Otter

Free on iPhone and Android. No account to create and nothing to sync: install it, scan your first QR code, and the code is on your screen.

Download on theApp StoreGet it onGoogle Play

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