need my google authenticator backup codes

#NEED MY GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR BACKUP CODES HOW TO#
#NEED MY GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR BACKUP CODES VERIFICATION#
#NEED MY GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR BACKUP CODES PASSWORD#

Even so, you might consider only using these Google codes for 2FA authentication. But if you can avoid using sites and services that send 2FA codes via SMS - and if those sites in question start supporting mobile 2FA apps - you’ll be less likely to have your codes stolen and used against you. Not a perfect solutionĢFA is not a perfect solution. You don’t want to find yourself without that one last key, so you can log in and generate more. This is especially true if you opt to not use a mobile app for Google 2FA. Here’s a tip: Only use nine of those codes, and consider the 10th your key to get more codes. Click that, and new backup codes will be generated.įigure B You may print, download or generate new backup codes as indicated by the red box. In that same area where your backup codes appear, you’ll see a circle with an arrow ( Figure B). Encrypt it, and your codes are less likely to be seen by prying eyes. Once you’ve deleted those lines, save and close the file. I recommend deleting that line, as it could give away the secret of what those codes are for. There is also a line that looks like this: The last thing you want is to make it easy for a bad actor to put two-and-two together and realize those codes are associated with that address. I highly recommend you delete that line in the file on the off-chance someone does stumble upon the file and manages to open it. Also included in that file is your Gmail address associated with the account. Don’t leave it hanging around, unprotected, on your local drive for prying eyes to sneak a peek. txt file, I suggest you encrypt that file. Word of caution Must-read security coverageĪustralia, New Zealand Enterprises Spend Big on Security - But Will It Be Enough?įor those that opt to download the.

#NEED MY GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR BACKUP CODES PASSWORD#

SEE: Explore TechRepublic Premium’s password management policy. The list will also show you only those codes you have not used, as the rest will be listed as ALREADY USED. Once created, you may display your backup codes.

#NEED MY GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR BACKUP CODES VERIFICATION#

Otherwise, you may access the backup codes in the 2-Step Verification section ( Figure A, right).įigure A Either configure backup codes for the first time (left) or access existing backup codes (right).

If you haven’t set up backup codes for your account, from the Security menu, select Backup codes from the How you sign in to Google section (Figure A, left).

Select 2-Step Verification from the Security menu you may be prompted to log in once again.

If you didn’t print out your backup codes upon setting up 2FA, the first thing you need to do is retrieve them. Note: If you have joined Google’s Advanced Protection Program or use security keys with your account, you may not be able to generate backup codes. These backup codes work, and when you run out, you can always generate more. You can use these codes instead of SMS 2FA. When you set up 2FA for Google, you are given the option to generate backup codes.

For the more security-minded, this isn’t really a good option.įortunately, some services offer 2FA backup codes that can be used instead. Yet, some systems, such as banks, don’t support interaction with apps like Authy or Google Authenticator and insist on sending 2FA codes via SMS. Two-factor authentication via SMS, which can be intercepted, can be a less-than-ideal security measure.

#NEED MY GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR BACKUP CODES HOW TO#

Learn how to retrieve your Google 2FA backup codes and how best to use them.

Need my google authenticator backup codes