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Ask HN: How to safely backup TOTP codes?
Hi,
I use Google Authenticator for a lot of services.
But in an event that my phone gets stolen, damaged etc,
I Think I will lose permanent access to most of these accounts.
How do I safely backup the secrets of several accounts
on my mobile device that create the TOTP codes?
How do I prevent such a disaster?
Google has no default feature to back up TOTP secrets, could it because they think it is a bad idea?
- camkego 9y agoPrint the QR codes that you use to setup a new service with authenticator, then you can use the printed QR code later if you lose your phone.
- stephenr 9y agoIf you're using iOS, I'd suggest OTP Auth - http://cooperrs.de/otpauth.html http://cooperrs.de/otpauth.html It allows exporting a password protected file with your otp secrets etc. Similarly it can sync (with password) your secrets between iOS devices via iCloud. Not affiliated, just a happy user. Edit:obviously you'd need to setup each one again in the new app the first time, you could use GA to login, then toggle 2fa off/on to trigger a new setup process and scan the barcode with OTP Auth app.