Where Does Google Authenticator Store Codes?
Google Authenticator keeps codes in private app storage, optionally synced to your Google Account since 2023.
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Google Authenticator stores one time codes in the app's private storage, historically with no cloud copy at all. Since 2023 an optional Google Account sync mirrors them for recovery.
That switch changed the migration story. Synced accounts restore on login, while unsynced ones still depend on the old phone or exported QR codes. Check the sync status in the app before wiping anything.
Where Google Authenticator stores this, by platform
/data/data/com.google.android.apps.authenticator2
Private storage with the code database. Unsynced installs recover only through transfer QR codes or a device backup. Verify sync in profile settings first.
/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/<guid>/Documents
Per install container path. iCloud device backups preserve unsynced codes. With account sync on, signing in restores everything without a backup.
Frequently asked questions
how do i move google authenticator to a new phone
If account sync is on, just sign in on the new phone. If not, use Transfer accounts then Export on the old phone and scan the QR codes with the new one.
will deleting google authenticator lose my codes
Only unsynced ones. Synced accounts download again after login. Unsynced codes survive solely through device backups or prior QR exports.
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