Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You generally can’t transfer Google Authenticator’s exported QR code directly into Microsoft Authenticator using the vendors’ documented workflows. To move your codes, re-enroll each account: open that service’s two-step verification settings, generate a new authenticator QR code, scan it in Microsoft Authenticator, and confirm the new code before removing the old entry.
What transfers—and what does not
Google documents two ways to get codes onto another device: sign in to the same Google Account inside Google Authenticator to sync codes, or export accounts from the old app and import them into Google Authenticator on a new device. Those workflows keep the codes in Google Authenticator; they do not describe importing Google’s account-export QR code into Microsoft Authenticator. Microsoft’s instructions instead have you scan a QR code generated by the website or service whose account you are setting up. This is a distinction between the vendors’ published workflows, not an explicit statement that a direct import is technically incompatible.
| Method | Use it when | What it does | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Authenticator account sync | You want codes on another device but plan to keep using Google Authenticator | Syncs codes after you sign in to the same Google Account in Google Authenticator | It does not move codes into Microsoft Authenticator. |
| Re-enroll accounts in Microsoft Authenticator | You want Microsoft Authenticator to generate the codes | Each service issues a fresh QR code that you scan in Microsoft Authenticator, then verifies a generated code | You must repeat the setup for every account and be able to access each service’s security settings. |
Google’s instructions for syncing and manually transferring codes are at Get verification codes with Google Authenticator. Microsoft’s third-party account setup instructions are in How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallHow to move accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
Keep the old phone and its working Google Authenticator codes available throughout the process. You will need to set up each service separately.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
- Open the service’s security settings. Sign in to the website or app for the account you want to move. Find its security, sign-in, or two-step verification settings, then choose the option to set up an authenticator app. The exact labels vary by service.
- Display a new setup QR code. Follow the service’s prompts until it displays a QR code for an authenticator app. Use the service’s setup code—not Google Authenticator’s account-export QR code.
- Add the account in Microsoft Authenticator. Open Microsoft Authenticator, choose the option to add an account, and select Other account for a third-party service. Scan the QR code displayed by that service.
- Confirm the new code. If the service asks, enter the code currently shown for that account in Microsoft Authenticator. Complete the service’s verification step.
- Test sign-in before removing the old entry. Sign in to the service using the newly enrolled Microsoft Authenticator code. Only after it works should you disable the old authenticator entry or remove it from Google Authenticator.
- Repeat for each account. A QR code enrolls the account for the service that generated it; it does not move all your Google Authenticator entries at once.
Microsoft’s Google Account example follows this same service-first process: open Google Account security settings, generate the authenticator QR code, scan it in Microsoft Authenticator, and verify the code with Google. Microsoft also says third-party accounts can be added for two-step verification when the site or service supports QR-based setup.
If you only need Google Authenticator on a new device
If you do not need to switch apps, signing in to the same Google Account within Google Authenticator on the new device automatically syncs codes, according to Google. Alternatively, Google’s manual transfer uses the old device: unlock it, select the accounts to export, and scan the generated QR code using Google Authenticator’s import flow on the new device. Exporting several selected accounts may produce more than one QR code.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
If the old phone is missing or unavailable
If your codes were not synced and you no longer have the old device, Google says you must visit each service where Google Authenticator was configured, remove the old authenticator codes, and link a new device through that service’s account recovery or security process. If codes were synced to a Google Account, Google says you can remove codes by removing the device from that account. The available recovery steps depend on each service, so use its official account-security process.
What to know about Microsoft Authenticator backup and restore
Microsoft’s backup and restore feature works only between the same device type, such as iOS to iOS or Android to Android. Microsoft says third-party OTP codes may be available after restoring a backup. Work or school account entries restore only the account name; you must sign in again to restore access.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
- Android: Microsoft’s current support instructions describe cloud backup using a personal Microsoft account. The same page says that starting in January 2027, Android users will no longer use a personal Microsoft account to enable backup and will need to enable Microsoft Authenticator through Google One backup. This is a future-dated policy statement; check Microsoft’s current guidance if setting up backup near or after that transition.
- iOS: Microsoft instructs users to enable iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, iCloud Backup, and Authenticator in the Saved to iCloud list.
These backup options concern restoring Microsoft Authenticator. They do not replace enrolling each service with its own new QR code when switching from Google Authenticator. See Microsoft’s Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator for current platform and account-type details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep a recovery route for every important account
Before turning off an old authenticator entry, confirm that the replacement code works and that you can still reach the service if your phone is lost. Keep any recovery methods or backup codes current in each service’s own settings. Do not wipe, trade in, or otherwise give up the old phone until you have confirmed successful sign-in to the important accounts with Microsoft Authenticator.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The information below is per-pack only
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
