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Migrate from Google Authenticator to RTAuthenticator

Import accounts using Google Authenticator export QR codes, then verify the imported tokens and test sign-in before removing the originals.

Updated October 27, 2026 · Public release 0.1.3

Before you start

RTAuthenticator 0.1.3 can import Google Authenticator migration QR codes. Have the original device and a target device with RTAuthenticator installed ready. Keep the recovery codes issued by your account providers. Leave the original tokens in place until you have verified the migration.

1. Export accounts from Google Authenticator

  1. On the original device, open Google Authenticator and find the account transfer feature in its menu, then choose export. Names and menu positions can vary by version.
  2. Complete the device authentication requested by the app, select the accounts to transfer, and proceed to the export QR code screen.
  3. The export may contain several QR codes. Keep that screen open and follow their sequence. These QR codes contain account secrets: do not post them in chats, websites, or public photo albums.

2. Scan with RTAuthenticator

  1. On the target device, open RTAuthenticator’s scan-to-add entry and allow camera access if requested.
  2. Scan the export QR code displayed on the original device and follow the import prompts. If the export has several codes, continue through the remaining parts and check the final account list.
  3. If a code is too dense to scan, select fewer accounts in the original app and export them in smaller batches.

3. Verify before retiring the old device

Check each service and account name. Compare time-based codes at the same moment and complete a real sign-in to the corresponding service. An import confirmation alone is not a reason to delete the originals or reset your old device.

If codes differ, check that both devices use automatic date and time, then try again with a fresh code. HOTP accounts also depend on the server’s counter; repeatedly generating codes can move the counter further out of sync. See the TOTP and HOTP guide.

If you have lost the original device

If you cannot export the tokens and have no other copy of their secrets, use the provider’s recovery codes or account recovery process to enroll a new authenticator. RTAuthenticator cannot reconstruct a service’s secret from an account name or a local unlock password.

Reference: Google’s Authenticator help. This guide covers migration QR codes; it does not describe Google account cloud synchronization.