How to backup 2FA
So basically what title says.
Im using 2FA with google authenticator for multiple accounts. What if my phone gets stolen? Can I have some kind of backup? Or maybe sync with some self hosted service?
Bonus question: what 2FA should I use instead of google?
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Aegis is a free open source TOTP 2FA app like Google Authenticator, and available on both F-Droid and Google Play. You should be able to export from Google Authenticator and import into Aegis.
Edit: I had assumed because Aegis had an option to import from Google Authenticator that this would mean you could export in bulk. Bad assumption to make, it sounds like you can do it if you have a rooted phone but Authenticator doesn’t make it easy. I did find this that shows a method to do a handful at once: https://blog.jay2k1.com/2021/11/17/how-to-bulk-migrate-from-google-authenticator-to-aegis/
Most comments recommend aegis, Im installing it right now. Thx
You should be able to export from Google Authenticator and import into Aegis.
If there is a way, I was unable to find it
Yes, I just did it. Go to google auth - transfer accounts - you get QR code, screenshot it - and import in Aegis
Huh. I was not able to make it work, perhaps I just overlooked something.
I had assumed because Aegis had an option to import from Google Authenticator that this would mean you could export in bulk. Bad assumption to make, it sounds like you can do it if you have a rooted phone but Authenticator doesn't make it easy. I did find this that shows a method to do a handful at once: https://blog.jay2k1.com/2021/11/17/how-to-bulk-migrate-from-google-authenticator-to-aegis/
What's the benefit of Aegis over FreeOTP+?
For one, Aegis is more well known. Aegis has 6k+ stars where FreeOTP+ has about 500. This doesn't mean it's better, just that people are more likely to recommend it.
Aegis also has more features, and can import from many different authenticator apps (though as many don't allow exports, this may require technical knowledge to get the database and feed it in). If you have root then Aegis can pull directly from the other apps.
Aegis claims they are better than FreeOTP because the encrypt passwords at rest.
One big difference is FreeOTP+ lets you not have to enter a pin/password to see the codes while Aegis you need to enter a pin, password, or biometric to see your codes.
Popularity aside, you sold me on the import compatibility. FreeOTP+ can export to other FreeOTP+ installations, but I've had issues with exporting to other apps. I had to manually import using the secrets displayed within FreeOTP+. The encryption sold me. I will be migrating to Aegis. I haven't heard of it until this post, and have been using FreeOTP+ sans encryption.