Google Authenticator gets export function to transfer codes to another device

Google makes it possible to transfer the totp codes in its own Authenticator app to another device. Until now, users were tied to one device, but now the codes can be moved more easily.

The new feature is in version 5.10 of Google Authenticator, Android Police discovered. It is the first update of the app since 2017. An early version can be downloaded via APKmirror.

The most important change of the new Authenticator is that the Time-based One Time Passwords or totp codes can now be transferred to other devices. The new import and export settings in the app show how users can set per account that they want to transfer their codes. The app then generates a QR code that users can scan with their other device. To do this, they must also provide their PIN or fingerprint.

Previously, users had to reset their two-step verification per service, which always took a lot of effort and time. However, it was possible to transfer the two-step verification code for a Google account yourself. Alternative authentication apps like Authy did allow for accounts to be imported across multiple devices. However, the data was stored in the cloud.

The export function is not the only change. It will also be impossible to take screenshots of Google Authenticator from now on. The design has also changed. The app now features Material Design 2.0, has a true black dark mode, and scales better with different screen sizes.