Security keys are physical devices, often flash drives, that can be used as an authentication method. You could also use a security key as a backup option. You don't need to link every service you use with two authenticators if you don't want to, but it's a good idea to at least back up your important accounts with a failsafe. If you lose your phone with Google Authenticator installed, it's important that you have an alternative authentication method to hand so that you can still access your accounts without the app. This is more of a precaution than a remedy. Have an Alternative Authentication Option If you've printed off backup codes (which we'll get to later), you should be able to restore your account. You'll be able to do this if your phone number or email is linked to your account.
Fortunately, you can still recover your account and access it. If, however, you don't have Google Authenticator installed on another device, you won't be able to recover your authenticator and all your codes. But, once again, your phone will need to be turned on to do this. If your lost phone is an iOS device, you can erase your phone on your iCloud account via the Find iPhone option. So make sure you lock your phone as soon as possible once you realize it's lost, or erase it entirely if you're sure you aren't going to be able to retrieve it. Google, as well as some of the other websites where you can protect your user account with two-step authentication, provides backup codes. Your phone needs to be turned on to be locked or erased. You can lock it temporarily or totally erase any data stored on it, but there is a stipulation here. This will help you find, lock, or erase your phone remotely. If your lost phone is an Android, you can use the Google phone locater tool. To start with, you need to make sure that the Google Authenticator app on your lost phone isn't exploited by anyone. So what can you do if you can't retrieve Google Authenticator? 1. If you are not an account owner, contact your account owner to ask them to remove two-step authentication for you.So, what should you do if this happens? Can you recover your Google Authenticator account if you lose the device it's installed on? Steps to Take If You Lose a Phone with Google Authenticator Installed.Once we confirm your identity, you’ll be able to sign in using your password. For security purposes, you will be asked to provide detailed information to confirm your identity. If you are an account owner, submit a request through the account recovery form.
If you do not have your backup code OR your authorized two-step authentication device If you suspect that your backup code may be compromised, go to your two-step authentication settings and regenerate a new one as soon as possible.
On a piece of paper or a USB flash drive in a locked safe at home.On a piece of paper or a USB flash drive in a secure deposit box.We recommend the following ways of storing your backup code, in order of decreasing security: This will invalidate any previous backup code. If you lose your code but still have access to your account, you can generate a new backup code from your two-step authentication settings at any time.This code is only displayed once, so be sure to write it down and store it somewhere safe. At the end of the two-step authentication setup process, Stripe will display a backup code.It is very important to keep this secure-possession of your password and backup code results in full access to your account. Your backup code can be used to disable two-step authentication on your account in case you lose all your devices used for the second authentication step. If you lose your code but still have account access, you can generate a new one from your authentication settings, which invalidates the previous code. The code is only displayed once during setup, so be sure to write it down and it should be stored securely in a safe location. A backup code for two-step authentication can be used to disable the feature on your account if you lose your devices used for the second authentication step.