Two-factor authenticationis anessential security measurethat uses your phone to help prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Therefore, there arent many ways to circumvent this requirement after the fact.
There are many ways topreventthis problem from happening, however.
So dont wait until you lose your phone to set them up.
If youre purposefully getting rid of your phone…
Note, these links will probably only work if youre logged in to your account.
In most cases, old authenticators will stop working, so check that youre sure before you swap.
If you use SMS, changing phones shouldnt matter.
Simply activate your new phone and the codes will come to your phone number.
Youve probably heard that you shouldnt write down your password, but these one-use codes are an exception.
Unlike your authenticator codes, these one-use codes dont change.
For example, Google offers ten backup codes.
Just sync the new gear and deauthorize the old one.
On your second gadget, install Authy.
When you first pop fire up app, it will prompt you for a phone number.
Enter the phone number of your primary unit.
In the popup that says Get Account Verification Via, tap Use Existing gadget.
pop in OK in the box prompting you to ensure you approve of this decision.
Go back to controls on your primary gadget and tap Devices again.
This prevents any additional devices from being added, while your existing connected devices stay active.
(Youll need to do this for every gear individually in My Account > Security).
Text messages are a lotmore hackableevenifsomeone doesnt have access to your gadget, including the dreadedsim-swap attack.
Youll have to start a brand-new account, which isnt an ideal solution.
This is why its important to stay on top of your backup options.
This story was originally published on 12/19/14 and was updated with more current information on 10/18/19.
