Dear friends,
Platform Overview
Primary Use
Time-based one-time password (TOTP) generation for two-factor authentication across hundreds of services
Account Types
Free app, works with: Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, GitHub, Dropbox, crypto exchanges, password managers
Data Types
TOTP secret seeds, QR codes, 6-digit time-based codes, account entries, cloud backup (Google account sync - new feature)
Access Challenges
- Historically NO cloud backup - all codes stored locally on phone only
- Lost phone = lost access to ALL 2FA accounts unless recovery codes saved
- Google Authenticator codes disappear if app deleted or phone dies
- New cloud backup feature (2023) requires Google account - not enabled by default
- Family needs your phone PIN + Google account password to access app after death
- No export feature (until 2023 update) - codes were trapped on device
- Account lockout if phone lost and no recovery codes saved
Inheritance Guidance
Step 1: Enable Google Authenticator Cloud Backup Immediately
Google Authenticator added cloud backup in April 2023. This feature is NOT enabled by default. Must be turned on manually to prevent total loss if phone is lost or you die.
Step 2: Export Google Authenticator QR Codes for Offline Backup
New export feature (2023) allows transferring codes to another device. Use this to create offline backup for inheritance.
Step 3: Store Recovery Codes for Every 2FA Account
Google Authenticator is just a code generator. Recovery codes are your REAL backup if app fails or phone dies. Store codes in password manager.
Step 4: Document Phone Access for Authenticator App
If cloud backup not enabled, your family needs your phone PIN/password to open Google Authenticator app and see codes.
Step 5: Consider Switching to Password Manager TOTP
1Password, Bitwarden, and LastPass offer built-in TOTP/2FA code generation. Consolidates passwords + 2FA codes in one inheritance-ready location.
Related Resources
2FA Recovery Codes Legacy
Critical backup codes for Google Authenticator-protected accounts
1Password Vault Handoff
Password manager with built-in TOTP as alternative to Google Authenticator
Bitwarden Legacy Planning
Another password manager with TOTP support for consolidated inheritance
iPhone Legacy Contact
Apple's feature for accessing iPhone (and Google Authenticator app) after death
How It Works
Learn how DeathNote automates digital legacy delivery including 2FA instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my Google Authenticator codes when I die if I didn't enable cloud backup?
They remain locked on your phone. Your family needs your phone PIN/password to unlock the device and open Google Authenticator app to see the codes. If they don't have the PIN and you didn't save recovery codes for each account, those 2FA-protected accounts are permanently locked. This is why you must: 1) Enable cloud backup + document Google account, 2) Store phone PIN in estate documents, OR 3) Save recovery codes for every account in password manager.
Can I transfer my Google Authenticator codes to my spouse's phone before I die?
Yes, using the new Export feature (2023+). Open Google Authenticator > Three-dot menu > Transfer accounts > Export accounts. This generates a QR code. Your spouse scans it with their Google Authenticator app, and all codes transfer. However, this creates duplicate codes on both phones - fine for backup but violates some services' terms. Better: Enable cloud backup on your phone, store Google account password for post-death access.
Is Google Authenticator better than Authy or Microsoft Authenticator for inheritance?
No. Authy and Microsoft Authenticator have had cloud backup for years (Google Authenticator added it in 2023). Authy uses phone number backup, Microsoft uses Microsoft account. Both are more inheritance-friendly due to longer cloud backup track record. However, Google Authenticator's new cloud backup (if enabled) works well. Best option for inheritance: Use password manager's built-in TOTP (1Password, Bitwarden) so 2FA codes are stored with passwords in one vault.
Should I screenshot my Google Authenticator QR codes for backup?
No - screenshot the EXPORT QR code, not the setup QR codes. When you set up 2FA on a website, they show a QR code once. If you screenshot that, it can restore that ONE account. Google Authenticator's Export feature generates a QR code containing ALL your accounts - screenshot THAT for comprehensive backup. Even better: Enable cloud backup to Google account AND export to QR code as redundant backup. Store printed QR code export in safe.