Using an Authenticator app makes logging into websites faster and more secure. No waiting for the codes to arrive to your email (which can take as long as 5 minutes!) or even relying on your phone and SIM card to receive the message. I recently travelled to Brunei, a tiny country in Southeast Asia and my phone didn’t work there even with roaming enabled!
But what happens if you lose your phone or uninstall the app? That’s where things can get tricky. Let’s break it down and make sure you’re prepared.
What If You Lose Access to Your phone?
If your device is lost, stolen, or reset, you could find yourself locked out of your accounts. That’s why it’s super important to set up backup recovery options. With most services, when you try to sign in without the app, you’ll usually be given other ways to verify your identity:
- A partially hidden email address.
- A phone number to receive a code. Sometimes, only the last digits will be shown, and you’ll have to confirm your full phone number.
- A list of backup codes. We recommend printing them and then storing them in a safe place. These aren’t your passwords – they are one-time use codes reserved for emergencies.
Pick one, confirm it’s yours, and you’ll get a code to complete the sign-in – just like before you had set up an Authenticator app.
The Catch: You Must Have Set Up Recovery Info First
This whole system relies on you having added and updated backup info (like your phone number or email) in your account settings ahead of time.
Too many people skip this step or forget to update it when they change phones or email addresses. If services can’t verify your identity using the info on file, you might have to go through a longer, more frustrating recovery process – which can take up to 30 days… or even fail completely. If that happens, your account could be gone for good.
Bottom Line
Authenticator apps are super convenient, but losing access to it can be a nightmare if you’re not prepared. Taking just a few minutes to set up and update your recovery options can save you from losing access to your important accounts forever.
Need help setting it up or checking your recovery info? Let us know and we will book you in!
