The process will be different for each site, service, or app, but you’ll usually find the option to set up a new device in your Security or Authentication settings. Some services will display a QR code or a key that you can enter into the Authenticator app on your phone to reset it. Don’t forget to check all of your devices to see if any of them are still logged in. For example, if you logged in to YouTube on your PC or Mac, you can probably still access your security settings there.
If you try to log in, you should be prompted for your Authenticator code; look around and click the Try another way link (it may be worded differently). Once you log into your account, reset the link to your Authenticator.
The only way to recover Authenticator if you’ve lost your phone is to make sure you have a backup copy of your QR code in advance. To make sure you’re prepared in the future, you can also use this method to print your QR code and store it somewhere safe.
More than one code may prompt your phone to make multiple QR codes.
If you have a new phone, open the Google Authenticator app and tap + and Scan a QR code. Hold your new phone up to scan the QR code on your old phone’s screen. If you don’t have the new phone yet or want to save the code for later, you can take a screenshot and print it. If you ever lose access to your Authenticator, set up a new account, then tap Scan a code when you’re going through set up. This way, your account will be just like your old Authenticator account!
