> store 2FA secrets in a different place from their passwords is just not something normal people are ever going to do is just not something normal people are ever going to do. Expecting users to store 2FA secrets in a different place from their passwords that is also just as secure. It all feels so absurd that the UX side of me just rebels. But asking me to remember a password I last used 3 years ago because that's when I set up 2FA? It's not gonna happen. I never forget my password manager master password because I use it weekly. But the biggest problem with both of these is I'm going to forget the password. Or, put the 2FA secrets inside their own encrypted file stored in my password manager, but once again with their own password that. So I guess I'm technically supposed to subscribe to a second password manager and store just my 2FA secrets inside of that, with a different master password. But honestly, where the heck else am I supposed to put them? I know from experience that printouts gets lost, and also that if someone were determined to hack me, the easiest route would be to break into my home and find the printouts. Yes this is a classic "maybe I can get support through public shaming" attempt. What am I supposed to do in this situation? Entering a backup code instead of a 2FA code returns an error. The only option under "Choose a way to verify" is to enter a 2FA code. When re-authenticating to access the 2FA page, there is no option to enter a 2FA backup code or SMS verification to pass the 2FA challenge. When I try to load the Two-factor authentication page, I am forced to re-authenticate with Google. In order to disable 2FA, or generate new 2FA backup codes, I need to access the 2FA settings page under the Security tab. These successfully log me into my Google Account. I lost my Google Authenticator settings when I broke my phone. I had 2FA set up with my Google Account through Google Authenticator. If you do this, remember that you'll need to keep your secondary device somewhere safe.I would like to inform the HN community, if your plan to recover your Google account in the event of losing your phone is to use a 2FA backup code, or SMS recovery, to remove the old 2FA setup and set up a new 2FA code, that that may not be possible. If your primary device isn't available, you can use your secondary device instead.
![google authenticator backup codes google authenticator backup codes](https://www.downloadsource.net/uploaded/News_April_2018/Google%202FA_Backup/How_do_you_backup_Google_authenticator.png)
Now, both devices will show the same numeric codes for logging in. Enter the numeric code from either device to confirm if it works.
![google authenticator backup codes google authenticator backup codes](https://storage.googleapis.com/support-forums-api/attachment/thread-29251867-8038771651661147308.png)
Use this QR code first on your primary device, then on your secondary device. Now, navigate to the page for setting up two-factor authentication. Firstly, install the app from the Play Store on both devices. Setting up two devices with Google Authenticator is actually pretty basic. Or you could install the app on your tablet or laptop as well as your phone. If you have an old phone that you no longer use, you can use that. In these cases, one option is to install Google Authenticator on multiple devices. There are many reasons Google Authenticator might have stopped working.
![google authenticator backup codes google authenticator backup codes](https://www.solu.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Authenticator-Chrome.jpg)
Or it could be inaccessible when you travel for some reason. Its battery may run out when you need it. For example, you may lose your primary device. You might be concerned about relying on just one device as your authenticator.