How I Fixed My Problem With The Google Authenticator App
I found out the hard way not all authenticator apps are created equal.
Authenticator apps are used by many people these days as a way of potentially preventing their online accounts from being hacked and sensitive information stolen.
Called 2-factor authentication (2FA), these apps provide an extra layer of protection by generating codes for secure login on various electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
However, you should be aware that you could end up being locked out of your accounts, such as banking, if you cannot access the authenticator app on the original device you installed it on.
That’s what happened to me with the Google Authenticator app. My cell phone went black screen, and I wasn’t able to see, therefore access, anything on the phone.
I bought another phone. However, since I couldn’t see the authenticator app on the original phone I installed it on, I was locked out of several accounts because I couldn’t access the generated codes.
Through my Google account, I transferred the authenticator app to my new phone. However, all of the accounts I previously set up on the app were deleted because the app does not copy accounts from one device to the next if you cannot access the app on the original device.
To regain access to my accounts, I had to contact the companies individually and undergo a verification process.
What a pain in the a*#.
Problem Solved
I want my life to be easier. On the surface, the Google Authenticator app does just that. However, the stress I felt not knowing if I would regain access to my accounts made the app simply not worth it to me.
So, I uninstalled the Google Authenticator app and did some research to find an authenticator app that transfers accounts in the event of lost access to the device the app was initially installed.
What I Found:
A simple Google search will tell you there are dozens of Authenticator app options available. There are pros and cons to these apps, so you must determine what’s important to you before using one.
For example, some of the apps:
- Work with multiple devices, such as android, IOS, and Microsoft.
- Has encrypted backup and storage.
- Provides you with a password to retrieve accounts in case you lose access to the original device.
- Requires you pay a subscription fee to access all of its features.
It’s important to do your own research prior to installing and using an authenticator app. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises or to lose your accounts because you’re unaware of the features or lack thereof of the authenticator app of your choosing.
Thank you for taking the time to read what I write. I’m available to write for you as well. You can always find me at:
https://medium.com/@GuidedByThePen2/membership If you’d like to support the journey.
