I Lost My Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Device. How Do I Sign In?

⚠️ Fear of second-factor loss prevents some from using two-factor authentication. There's no need to fear that scenario.

⚠️ Losing your two-factor authentication device
Someone who finds your second factor does not have access to your accounts — they still need your password.
If you’re using SMS two-factor: contact your mobile provider and move your phone number to a new device.
Otherwise: access the account using recovery methods, then remove and re-add two-factor with a new code or device.

Chapters
0:00 Lost Two-Factor Authentication
0:55 Two factors means two factors
1:54 Accounts using SMS-based two-factor
3:00 Recovery information
5:00 Then, reboot two-factor

More Ask Leo!

#askleo #twofactor #authentication

[askleonotenboom]

Signing in becomes a little more inconvenient. (But only once.)

[BigA]

Up till now, I've held off using 2FA because of worrying about loss of access. Perhaps now I'll give it a go.

[fernando]

That's why I have two cell phones, one just for authentication and the other for everyday use.

[Kie-]

In reality the whole system breaks because you can't log in to anything to do anything because you're locked out of the other things that enable you to log in, like get your number ported to a new phone - can't, you're locked out etc. Log in to email to get a security email with your pin - can't because you're locked out because you can't 2-factor log in to your email. etc. And this means your whole life can be put on hold for days because you have no phone and your computer access is blocked. This will only get worse as time goes on. This is why when I go on holiday I make sure I'm not using gmail for anything important and am instead using 1-factor on a different email address that always allows me access so long as I remember my password - I can access important stuff without being blocked for days if a phone gets lost or stolen.

[sparks]

When travelling, ensure that you have turned off two factor authentication for your trip. I found that was the safest if not physically carrying around your reset codes.

[lydiabisaya]

I have a two factor but i can't find it. i opened my email and don't know how to locate it. it says it was send to my recovery phone but i don't have it. the recovery phone i used is in my keypad phone. what would i do to get that two factor authentication.

[gordpope]

The issue I have found when I use an SMS facility on my phone for 2FA crops up when I travel and use a SIM card from the local country. Now I cannot receive the SMS code request. Yes, I could put my Canada SIM back in my phone for a period of time but the roaming charges for us Canadians are oppressive. When I can, I use an email address for 2FA but it is not always offered. It is now an item on my travel checklist to review what apps and access are critical to my travel (Banks, health, medical, travel sites, etc) and either ensure I have a plan for 2FA backup or turn it off for the trip duration.
All that being said, is using an email address for 2FA a bad idea? (Of course, this assumes no 2FA on my email account)

[JimE]

Thanks Leo. Now I know why I printed off those number. JimE

[FashionVids]

I can't log into my Gmail account before I don't have access to my old number. Even with the word it still doesn't allow me as the next step is a text code.. it's impossible

[QuantumKurator]

If possible, I save my OTP code to my 1password, so I can recreate it on another MFA app if I need to.

[Nick_Slaughter]

Hi Leo, quick question: Is it more secure to use sms 2fa together with other types of second fa, like OTP and password, or ditch the 2fa sms completelly?

[oroville]

Use win auth as a backup i also have a backup phone at home with the same 2fa keys

[terrywiggins]

Leo, great video, can you add a second hardware key as a backup 2FA? If so how do you do it? A possible video on that process would be appreciated.

[OurstPlanet]

You don't need to port your number, you only need a new SIM Card. Upon using the new SIM Card the old SIM Card is disabled.

[LeonidSaykin]

yeah sure, phone companies will never give your old phone number back after you lost it. They don't care.

[yungterp]

I have an account i created in 2006 that i cant access due to switching service providers on my phone. Sucks because those are some of my best childhood memories, and some of the first guitar tutorials ever posted on youtube. I had a stairway heaven tutorial that had a few million views but i set all the videos to private because i hadnt even hit puberty yet. Was hoping i could show my girlfriend little pre-pubescent me but looks like the account may be lost forever. I wish i could just call somebody but youtube/google is so difficult to contact

[salimmrrushangoogl]

Hello Leo,
Thanks for very useful information, but my son is in very tricky situation.
He cancelled the contract with his phone provider and unfortunately the phone provider completely blocked his number and are not willing to send him sim card with his old number. At the same time his hand set mobile was stolen from him 2 days ago. He bought a new handset but can not get access to all his accounts and apps because they are sending the second verification code to his previous number which he got no access to it now.
Would you please advise me what he should do to get access to his account without the second verification code. By the way he remember the password. Your help will be very appreciated 👏 🙏

[FashionVids]

I can't port my phone number as Giffgaff asks for my login password for Giffgaff that I can't remember I also have no idea what my IMEI number is as my old phone and number was lost