Google Authenticator gets cloud connection: moving to a new smartphone becomes easier

The Google Authenticator provides the second factor for various services to secure the login. Its one-time passwords in the form of six-digit codes change every minute. Google is now making it easier to move to a new smartphone with a cloud connection, thereby removing barriers to using the app.

Cloud connection makes smartphone loss less of a problem

The Google Authenticator (Android/iOS) is very helpful for securing your accounts with various services with a second factor in addition to the password. For Google, it is even an important building block on the way to a future without passwords. However, I have also been reluctant to use it so far - although I consider the app to be very useful.

The reason for my reluctance: if I lose my smartphone, the Authenticator is also gone - and with it access to the accounts stored there. Of course, it is possible to restore it, but with the increasing number of services, it is a huge effort. Google now takes this worry away from me.

After the latest update, Google Authenticator not only has a new logo, but also a cloud connection. I can integrate it and the stored accounts into my Google account. The one-time passwords are then available to me on a new smartphone immediately after logging in. Of course, you should then use a second factor other than the authenticator for the Google account.