No products in the cart.
Move Authenticator To A New Phone With Google & Microsoft
If your smartphone needs work, move your authenticator before repair so you can still log in everywhere. At Phone Expert, we help you shift Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator from an old phone to a new phone and test sign-ins on the spot. Bring both devices and your account credentials, and we’ll guide you safely.
Why move authenticator before getting a new phone repaired
Moving the authenticator protects access because repairs can require a reset that wipes app data and time-sensitive codes.
Many online accounts use two-factor authentication as an extra layer, so losing the app can leave you locked out of your accounts during diagnostics. Transferring first lets you authenticate on another phone and keep working while we fix hardware.
Quick reasons to act
- Backups and 2FA fallbacks work best while you still have access.
- A wiped handset removes authentication keys and one-time tokens.
- You can confirm your email and test a verification code before handover.
A customer in Maroochydore recently moved their authenticator app, then used code via SMS to sign in while we replaced a screen. They avoided delays and stayed productive.
Don't Let A Broken Phone Hold You Back
Look no further! Our comprehensive price list covers all major brands and models, ensuring that you can easily find the repair cost for your specific phone. Pleas check our price list for details
Prepare backups and account credentials before transfer
Gather safety nets so you can restore authenticator even if something goes sideways.
Print or save backup codes, note each account name, and confirm passwords for your Google account and Microsoft account. If you use iOS with an iCloud account, ensure device backups are current; on an android device, check your Google backup settings. If you use LastPass or another device for passwords, keep it handy.
Prep checklist
- Confirm 2-step verification is on and log into your google account.
- Save google backup codes and any recovery account details.
- Update phone OS (iOS or Android) and app data backups.
- Bring account credentials for work, personal Microsoft account, and school email where needed.
Tip: take a screenshot or take a photo of each service’s QR code and setup key during setup, then delete securely after you scan the QR code on the new device.
Transfer Google Authenticator to a new phone safely
You can transfer accounts using the in-app export tool so your codes move cleanly.
On the old phone, open the google authenticator app, choose “Transfer accounts,” then Export. On the new phone, choose Import and scan the generated QR code. Test sign-ins and use backup if a site needs re-pairing. This is the simplest way to use Google Authenticator when getting a new phone serviced.
Steps to transfer Google Authenticator
- On the old device, open Google Authenticator and pick Transfer accounts.
- Tap Export, select accounts to your new phone, and show the QR.
- On the new phone, choose Import and scan.
- Log into a site to verify; if prompted, enter 2fa codes.
If you’re getting a new phone without time to prep, you can still recover with google account methods. Phrase to include for clarity: google authenticator to a new handset and transfer google authenticator are the key actions.
Move Microsoft Authenticator with cloud sync enabled
Microsoft Authenticator supports cloud sync so moving is straightforward.
On the old phone, open the Microsoft authenticator app, enable cloud sync, and sign in with your Microsoft account. On the new phone, install from Google Play or the App Store, sign in, and your accounts should appear. For Microsoft 365 work tenants, some approvals may require an admin.
Microsoft move checklist
- Enable cloud sync on the old phone first.
- Install the app on the new phone and sign in to the same account.
- For personal Microsoft account items, re-approve sign-ins.
- If prompts fail, contact support or your admin.
If push approvals stall, open the app and authenticate by entering a verification code. For regulated apps or vpn access, you may need to change authenticator app settings under the service’s security page.
Restore options if you cannot access the old phone
If you cannot access the device, use recovery paths from each provider.
Start with account recovery, then use backup codes or SMS where available. For Google, log into your Google account on a trusted computer and follow 2fa recovery steps. For Microsoft, use Microsoft support guidance for the specific tenant.
Recovery paths
- Use backup codes or a code via SMS if configured.
- Try another phone or another device already signed in.
- For Google, select “cannot access” and follow prompts.
- For Microsoft, check the support community and your admin.
If you lost your phone entirely, we can help you sign in on a store tablet, restore authenticator, and remove the old phone from security settings so new prompts only hit the new iPhone or replacement handset.
Not Sure About A Repair You Need?
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked screen, battery issues, or software glitches, we’ve got you covered. Get a FREE quote today!
Local handover help on the Sunshine Coast and beyond
We serve Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg, with teams also in Chermside and Coomera.
Bring both devices to Maroochydore, Kawana or Noosa, and we’ll watch you transfer accounts, verify authentication, and only then start repairs. For mail-in jobs, we schedule a quick video call to check 2fa before your parcel arrives.
Visit us
- Maroochydore, Kawana, Noosa, Bundaberg stores for walk-ins
- Chermside (Brisbane North) and Coomera (Gold Coast) by booking.
- Pick up & return available; ask when you book online
Our technician will never ask for your password; we stand beside you while you authenticate, then proceed.
When this may not be the right fit
Moving an authenticator might not be ideal if accounts are managed by strict admins who block exports, or if policies forbid multi-factor changes outside a window.
Highly locked-down tenants may require IT to re-issue authentication keys. If travel is urgent and you cannot stay to test, reschedule the repair until you can complete backup and restore steps calmly.
Consider instead
- Delay repair until IT approves MFA changes
- Use a loaner handset to hold the authenticator temporarily
- Ask your admin to pre-stage temporary 2fa on another phone
How to judge if you need this now or later
Do it now if a repair is booked, the screen is failing, or the battery dies unexpectedly.
If you still have access to both devices and can test sign-ins, now is perfect. If the handset barely powers on, prioritise moving the authenticator to a new phone first, then bring it in. If everything is stable and you’re only browsing options, set a reminder before getting a new phone.
Quick decision cues
- You rely on time-sensitive codes to access work apps
- You changed numbers and must confirm your email again
- You’ve seen prompts about 2-step verification but haven’t tested it
Next steps with Phone Expert for secure repairs
We make the security step part of check-in so your online accounts keep working.
When you arrive, we help you scan the QR code, enter a one-time token, and verify at least one sign-in on the counter. Then we proceed with hardware service.
Booking steps
- Book online and note “authenticator move help”
- Bring both phones, chargers, and any backup codes
- We test, repair, and return with your authenticator running
Book Online &
Save $10 on Your Mobile Phone Repair
By booking online, you get an exclusive $10 discount on your repair cost. Don’t miss out on this special offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We support iOS and Android. We’ll install apps, enable cloud sync where available, and guide you through transfer accounts between platforms.
Some organisations require admin approval. Bring contact details; we’ll wait while your admin approves the Microsoft account or pushes new prompts.
We can sit with you while you use Google Authenticator or other 2fa apps including LastPass and some VPN tokens, but policies vary by service.
Open the service’s security page and re-pair: choose change authenticator app, scan the QR code, or enter the setup key. Use backup to sign in if needed.
For Google, try export again from the old phone. For Microsoft, ensure cloud sync is on and you signed into the same personal Microsoft account. If stuck, contact support.
Important terms at a glance
- Authenticator / authenticator app: The app that generates 2fa codes for multi-factor sign-ins.
- Google Authenticator / Microsoft Authenticator: Popular apps; we help move both.
- Backup & recovery: Keep backup codes, use account recovery, and verify after transfer.
- QR code & setup key: Used to pair accounts to your new phone; never share publicly.
Ready to repair with confidence? Book online and visit Maroochydore, Kawana, Noosa or Bundaberg. Prefer to chat first? Call and our team will help you plan the move.
