Two-Factor Authentication: Don't Get Locked Out When You Switch Phones

Why switching phones can lock you out

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your accounts by asking for something beyond your password, usually a code from your phone. That's great until the phone changes. A new phone, a factory reset or a phone that suddenly won't turn on can leave you stuck at a login screen asking for a code you can't get.

The fix is simple: prepare before the old phone goes away. Here's what to check for each type of 2FA.

Know which kind of 2FA you use

• Text message (SMS) codes are tied to your phone number, not the phone.
• Authenticator apps generate codes on the phone itself. These are the easiest to lose.
• Push prompts ask you to tap "Yes, it's me" in an app, often a bank or email app.
• Passkeys sign you in with your face, fingerprint or screen lock and usually sync through your Apple or Google account.
• Backup codes are one-time codes the service gave you when you turned on 2FA.

Before you switch: the checklist

1. List your 2FA accounts. Email, banking, social media, work accounts, government services and your Apple or Google account. A password manager makes this easy because it already lists your logins.
2. Save backup codes. For each important account, go to its security settings and view or generate backup codes. Store them in your password manager or print them and keep them somewhere safe at home.
3. Move your authenticator app. Check whether yours syncs or transfers. Google Authenticator can sync codes to your Google Account or move them with its transfer option. Microsoft Authenticator offers a cloud backup. Codes saved in Apple's Passwords app sync through iCloud Keychain. If your app has no transfer option, you'll need to sign in to each account and set 2FA up again on the new phone.
4. Test on the new phone. Sign in to a couple of accounts using codes from the new phone before you do anything to the old one.
5. Keep the old phone intact. Don't erase, sell or trade it in until every account works on the new phone.

SMS codes, SIM cards and eSIM

Text-message codes follow your phone number. Move the SIM card or eSIM to the new phone and the codes follow. A few things can get in the way:

• eSIM transfers need to be completed with your carrier, either on the phone or by contacting them. Until the eSIM is active on the new phone, codes won't arrive.
• Switching carriers? Keep your number by porting it to the new carrier, and don't cancel the old plan first. Cancelling can release the number.
• Travelling? If you swap to a local SIM abroad, your home number may not receive codes. Set up an authenticator app or passkeys for important accounts before you go.

In Canada, carriers must unlock phones free on request, so a locked phone shouldn't stop you moving your number. Our post on phone unlocking in Ontario explains how.

Don't forget your Apple or Google account

Your Apple Account and Google Account are the master keys for everything else, including your backups and synced passkeys. Before switching, check the trusted phone numbers and recovery options in each account's security settings. Make sure at least one recovery option doesn't depend on the phone you're about to replace, such as a second trusted device, a recovery email or a recovery contact.

Banking apps

Many banking apps tie themselves to one device. On a new phone, expect to verify yourself again by text, by email or by calling the bank. Have your card and account details handy, and avoid switching phones right before a bill is due.

Before a repair, too

A screen, battery or charging port repair normally leaves your apps and data in place, so your authenticator keeps working. Still, it's smart to have backup codes saved before any repair, just in case. They matter most when a phone won't turn on at all, because that's when you can't reach your authenticator app.

Buying a used phone? Set up 2FA from scratch on it, and make sure the previous owner's accounts are fully removed. Our used phone buying guide covers what to check.

Need a hand?

If your phone is broken and you're worried about losing access to your accounts, getting it working again is often the quickest way back in. Woman Wireless On The Go sends a certified woman technician to your home, workplace or parked car anywhere in our service area, repairs your phone on the spot and tests it with you. See our cell phone repair page, or call or WhatsApp (365) 351-4247 for a free quote before any work starts.

Frequently asked questions

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