When you switch Authy to a new phone, you move your secure authenticator setup to a modern device without losing access to your accounts. This process preserves your tokens, works offline, and protects your private data with encryption.
Follow the steps below to export your backups, verify devices, and complete the transfer smoothly. The table and sections help you plan timing, verify compatibility, and avoid common issues when you switch Authy to a new phone.
| Phase | Action | Device | Expected Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Charge phone above 50% | Old & New | 5 minutes |
| Backup | Create encrypted cloud backup in Authy app | Old phone | 2–3 minutes |
| Install | Install Authy on new phone from official app store | New phone | 2–5 minutes |
| Restore | Restore tokens using encrypted backup and passphrase | New phone | 3–5 minutes |
| Verify | Test one-time codes and remove old device | New phone | 2–3 minutes |
Preparing your old phone
Before you switch Authy to a new phone, stabilize your current setup. This minimizes the risk of token loss and keeps your recovery options intact.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, sufficient battery, and access to your email or phone number linked to Authy. Complete any optional two-step verification for added security without adding friction to the transition.
Creating an encrypted backup
An encrypted backup is essential when you switch Authy to a new phone. It captures all your tokens and settings in a secure, portable file.
In the Authy app, open the settings menu, select Create Encrypted Backup, and choose cloud or local save. Use a strong passphrase you can remember, and confirm you can restore on a test device if possible.
Installing Authy on the new phone
Installing the official Authy app on your new phone is the first technical step in the transfer. Only download Authy from the official app store on either iOS or Android.
Do not restore from a backup until the app is fully installed and updated. This ensures compatibility and reduces the chance of sync errors when you switch Authy to a new phone.
Restoring tokens to the new device
Restoring tokens is the core of switching Authy to a new phone. With the encrypted backup ready, you can import your accounts seamlessly.
During restore, enter your passphrase, confirm device permissions, and wait for tokens to populate. Remain online until verification completes, then check critical accounts such as email and banking for correct code generation.
Verifying and finishing the transfer
Verification ensures the transfer is complete and your security posture stays intact when you switch Authy to a new phone. Test time-based codes on multiple accounts before decommissioning the old device.
Once verified, sign out of Authy on the old phone and remove it from the device list inside your Authy settings. This step prevents unauthorized access and finalizes the migration.
Key steps to switch Authy to a new phone
- Charge both devices and verify connectivity before starting.
- Create an encrypted backup on the old phone using a memorable passphrase.
- Install the official Authy app from the app store on the new phone.
- Restore your encrypted backup on the new phone and confirm token sync.
- Test codes for email, banking, and social accounts before decommissioning the old device.
- Sign out and remove the old device from Authy to finish the transfer securely.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I back up my Authy codes before switching phones?
Open the Authy app, go to Settings, and select Create Encrypted Backup. Choose cloud or local storage, set a strong passphrase, and confirm the backup completes successfully.
Can I transfer Authy to a new phone without losing my tokens?
Yes, as long as you create an encrypted backup on the old phone and restore it on the new device using the same passphrase and updated app version.
What should I do if the restore fails on the new phone?
Check internet connectivity, confirm the passphrase, ensure the app is updated, delete the incomplete restore attempt, and start the restore again from your latest encrypted backup.
Should I remove Authy from my old phone immediately after transfer?
Remove Authy from the old phone only after confirming that all critical accounts work on the new device and that the old device is deauthorized in your Authy settings.