Saving a Google Authenticator backup

9 May 2023 3 minutes Author: D2-R2

What is Google Authenticator?

In this article, you will learn what Google Authenticator is and how to use it safely. First of all, Google Authenticator is a mobile application for generating two-factor authentication codes. Two-step authentication ensures more reliable protection of your account: to enter it, you need not only a password, but also a confirmation code. In this article, you will learn what a backup is and what it means to create backup copies of existing files, folders, and other data on a computer. You’ll learn about backup options and learn 3 effective ways to back up your Google Authenticator codes. One practical way to back up your code without compromising security is to write it down on a piece of paper. This method eliminates the need for a printer or other mobile device.

Taking a screenshot is another backup option that allows you to store code on a separate device. This approach makes it easier to re-enter or re-scan the code when visiting certain websites that require two-factor authentication. The advantage of this method is that it is quick and easy, but hackers can still find and hack the file on your computer. To store your Google Authenticator code securely, move the file to a USB drive. If you have an extra phone, use it to save the code by scanning or manually entering the QR code. An additional mobile device can be your old phone, your partner’s smartphone, or a work device. This option allows you to easily create backup copies of codes. However, if you’re backing up with a device that you regularly carry on the go, you might end up losing both phones, leading to a problem. More on this in the article. Also, Google Authenticator is a mobile application for creating two-step authentication codes. Two-step authentication provides more reliable protection for your account: to enter it, you need not only a password, but also a verification code.

What is a backup?

Backup (backup) — creating a backup copy of existing files, folders and other data on the computer.

Backup options

Here are 3 effective ways to backup your Google Authenticator codes.

Write down the code

One practical way to back up your code without compromising security is to write it down on a piece of paper. This method eliminates the need for a printer or other mobile device.

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Taking a screenshot is another backup option that allows you to store code on a separate device. This approach makes it easier to re-enter or re-scan the code when visiting certain websites that require two-factor authentication.

The advantage of this method is that it is quick and easy, but hackers can still find and hack the file on your computer. To store your Google Authenticator code securely, move the file to a USB drive.

Backup code using a separate device

If you have an extra phone, use it to save the code by scanning or manually entering the QR code. An additional mobile device can be your old phone, your partner’s smartphone, or a work device. This option allows you to easily create backup copies of codes. However, if you’re backing up using a device that you regularly carry on the go, you might end up losing both phones, leading to a problem.

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