Google Authenticator itself doesn’t create backup codes. The backup codes come from your Google Account: go to your Google Account, open Security & sign-in (or Security), click 2-Step Verification, then Backup codes, and click Get backup codes. You get 10 single-use, 8-digit codes you can type in if your phone isn’t available.
Save them somewhere safe and offline, such as a printout or a password manager. Each code works once.
Quick Answer
Google Account > Security & sign-in > 2-Step Verification > Backup codes > Get backup codes > download or print them.
How to Get Your Backup Codes
- Sign in to your Google Account on a computer or phone browser.
- Click Security & sign-in (shown as Security on some accounts).
- Under How you sign in to Google, click 2-Step Verification.
- Click Backup codes, then Get backup codes.
- Click Download codes or Print.
2-Step Verification must be turned on before backup codes are available.
How to Use a Backup Code
- Sign in with your email and password.
- When asked for a verification code, choose Try another way.
- Select Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes and type an unused code.
- Cross that code off your list; it won’t work again.
Backup Codes vs. Authenticator Codes
| Backup codes | Authenticator codes | |
|---|---|---|
| Where they come from | Your Google Account settings | The Authenticator app |
| Length | 8 digits | 6 digits |
| How long they last | Until used or refreshed | About 30 seconds each |
| Works for other sites? | Only for your Google Account | Yes, for every account you added |
Protect the Codes in Your Authenticator App Too
Backup codes only protect your Google Account. For other accounts in Google Authenticator, turn on Google Account sync in the app (tap your profile picture and sign in), or use Transfer accounts > Export accounts to move them to a new phone. Many websites also offer their own backup or recovery codes in their security settings; save those as well.
Lost your phone already? See how to recover Google Authenticator codes.
Related: Forgot Your PS4 Password and Date of Birth? How to Recover Your PSN Account.
Troubleshooting
- You can’t find your saved codes: Search your computer for a file named like Backup-codes-yourname.txt.
- You’ve used most of your codes: Click Get new codes (the refresh button). Old codes stop working when you create new ones.
- Backup codes option is missing: Turn on 2-Step Verification first, or check whether a work or school administrator manages your account.
- Setting up 2FA for another service: See how to use Google Authenticator for Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many backup codes do I get?
Ten. Each can be used once, and you can create a new set any time.
What if I lost my backup codes and my phone?
Use another sign-in method you set up, such as a security key or recovery phone, or follow Google’s account recovery steps.
Is it safe to store backup codes in a password manager?
Yes, if the password manager is protected with a strong master password and its own two-factor sign-in.
Summary
- Open your Google Account > Security & sign-in > 2-Step Verification.
- Choose Backup codes and get a set of 10.
- Download or print them and store them safely.
- Turn on sync or export in Authenticator for your other accounts.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.