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Exporting to Another App

Export shows your accounts as QR codes in the format Google Authenticator uses, so that another authenticator app, or Private Authenticator on another phone, can scan them. It's the right tool for moving to another app. For keeping a copy of everything, use a backup instead.

Step by step

  1. Tap the logo and choose Export (or, on the Info page, Export Accounts).
  2. Every account that can be exported is listed and ticked. Untick any you'd rather not include, then tap Generate.
  3. Face ID or Touch ID confirms, and the app reads only the ticked accounts' keys.
  4. The QR code appears full screen. If you have more than ten accounts there are several codes; swipe between them, each labelled Code 1 of 3 and so on.
  5. Scan each code with the other app's import feature. To bring them into Private Authenticator on another iPhone, use its Google Authenticator import.
  6. Tap Done when you've finished.

[Screenshot: the Export Accounts list with accounts ticked and the Generate button]

Accounts that can't be exported

Google's format only has room for the common kind of code: 6 or 8 digits, changing every 30 seconds. Anything else is left out, and the export screen says how many:

  • Steam Guard accounts.
  • Accounts with a different number of digits, or a different refresh interval.

Those accounts can be moved with a backup, which keeps every kind of account. Your own accounts stay in Private Authenticator whatever you export; exporting copies them.

Treat the QR code as the keys it contains

Anyone who scans an export QR code can make your codes. Show it only to your own device, don't screenshot it, and if you must save it, delete the copy as soon as the other app has it.

Continue to Moving to a New iPhone.