MOVE YOUR AUTHENTICATOR APP(S) TO YOUR NEW PHONE!

When upgrading to a new phone, many cell phone vendors offer discounts or cash for your old device. It might seem convenient to hand over your old phone immediately at the store, but before you do, there’s an important step you should take to avoid complications later.

Make sure to transfer your two-factor authentication (2FA)—also known as multi-factor authentication (MFA) or multi-step verification—to your new phone before parting with the old one. This is crucial because the authentication codes are tied to the authenticator app, not the phone number.

Here’s why it matters:
While text message-based 2FA is more secure than not using it at all, it’s vulnerable if someone gains control of your phone number. If they trick your provider into switching your number to a device they control, they can receive your authentication codes. On the other hand, authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator do not rely on your phone number, so simply swapping phones won’t transfer your 2FA codes.

To ensure uninterrupted access to your accounts, follow these steps before turning in your old phone:

1. Deactivate 2FA on your accounts that use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator).
2. Set up 2FA on your new phone by linking it to the app.
   • Some apps, such as Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator, allow you to transfer your accounts from one device to another without needing to deactivate 2FA first.
3. Verify everything works by testing the codes on your new phone.

If you use SMS-based 2FA, your codes will automatically be delivered to your new phone as long as it’s activated and able to receive calls and texts. However, for apps that use an authenticator, make sure you’ve properly transferred your accounts to avoid any issues accessing your protected sites later.

In short, take a few extra minutes to move your 2FA before swapping phones—it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the road!