Google Authenticator Now Supports Backing Up 2FA Codes Using Google Account - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Google Authenticator Now Supports Backing Up 2FA Codes Using Google Account

by

The Google Authenticator app used to store one-time access codes for account security now supports backups and syncing across devices using a Google Account, Google announced today.

google authenticator
With Google Account support, one-time passwords can be saved in the cloud, so if you lose the device with your Google Authenticator app installed, you won't lose access to all of your authentication codes. Prior to the integration of Google Account support, all codes in the Google Authenticator app were stored on device, which is problematic when a device is lost.

Google says with one-time passwords available in a Google Account, users are "better protected from lockout," increasing convenience and security. Google Account integration for Google Authenticator is available on both iOS and Android devices. Adding Google Account support will require signing into the account in the Google Authenticator app, and once that is done, codes will be automatically backed up and restored on any new device where you sign in to your Google Account.

The latest version of the app is required, and on iPhone and iPad, it can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tag: Google

Popular Stories

google pixel 10 fold 1

Google's Pixel 11 Event Set for August 12, a Month Before Apple Debuts Foldable iPhone

Tuesday July 7, 2026 11:48 am PDT by
Google will introduce its latest Pixel smartphones at an August 12 event, debuting the updated devices about a month ahead of when Apple is expected to announce new iPhone models. Google is expected to launch the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and a new Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Leaked CAD renders suggest the new smartphones will have slimmed down bezels, a slightly thinner design than...
Read Full Article • 39 comments
Chrome Feature 22

Google Chrome's Gemini AI Features Roll Out to UK Users

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:32 am PDT by
Google has announced the rollout of Chrome's latest AI features to Mac and PC users in the U.K., indicated by a new "Ask Gemini" button with a sparkle icon in the upper right side of the browser. Gemini in Chrome can work across multiple tabs, which is supposed to make it useful for comparing and summarizing information from several websites at once. It also integrates with Google...
Read Full Article • 8 comments
Google Logo Feature Slack

Google and Epic Abandon Injunction Modification Request, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores

Wednesday July 15, 2026 5:02 pm PDT by
Google and Epic Games this week withdrew their joint motion to modify an injunction requiring Google to support third-party app stores in Google Play. The two companies abandoned the request after it became clear the court was unlikely to allow it. Google is now bound by a permanent injunction issued in October 2024 requiring it to allow alternative app stores on Android devices. In a court...
Read Full Article • 29 comments

Top Rated Comments

0
0924487
43 months ago
Seems like a bad idea…

Google has your keys.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sydnxt Avatar
Sydnxt
43 months ago
Do you guys honestly think Google employees will be using your 2FA keys to login to your accounts?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️
43 months ago
Sorry, but I have mad trust issues with Google. :confused:
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I
icanhazmac
43 months ago

Do you guys honestly think Google employees will be using your 2FA keys to login to your accounts?
No.

What does concern me is what other information they are able to skim off my device simply because I have their app installed (location, clip board contents, etc.) that adds to their already voluminous collection. Simple as that.



Example: WTF does Google need my contacts for in order for the authenticator app to work? Why are they collecting Search History? Location?!!?! F Google!

Attachment Image
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
julianps Avatar
julianps
43 months ago

I think the desirability of this new feature depends on how you use Google Authenticator. If you use GA 2FA codes for anything sensitive or confidential, such as banking (risk: losing control over a checking account or credit card) or mobile phone carrier accounts (risk: becoming the victim of a SIM swapping attack), it's probably better to copy the codes over to another device manually. That way you maintain complete control over critical information and avoid any exposure to the cloud.

But for logins that aren't for anything that needs to be kept private or secure, syncing via your Google account probably is OK in most circumstances.

In any case, I hope passkeys ('https://tidbits.com/2022/06/27/why-passkeys-will-be-simpler-and-more-secure-than-passwords/') become widely adopted soon. Then all the time and effort we spend dealing with passwords and 2FA can be used on something more fun or more productive.
I use the Authenticator feature in Apple's Keychain. It syncs between iOS/iPadOS and MacOS and I keep the verification codes in the Notes/Comments field. iOS backup acts as insurance. And (for now) I trust Apple more than Google (Authenticator) or Microsoft (Authenticator). I did consider BitWarden, but why bother when Keychain is ubiquitous?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
klasma
43 months ago
I wonder what the details of this picture are supposed to tell us: 🤔



Our starry 2FA keys are taking a partially discontinuous, convoluted path into a Google snowflake, and then fly away like birds, while clouds are passing by?

Attachment Image
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors