2 Step Verification

StrongSad · 12 Jun 2019 at 10:18

Story

So I use Google Authenticator for a number of gaming accounts and I have just changed my iPad where the app is located. After migrating my data to the new iPad, all my settings were deleted... Trying to recover them has been a nightmare.

Basically they are local to the device and if that gets wiped then you are up a creak without a paddle, unless you have the one off codes...

So starts the hunt for the missing codes. I am sure there were none for R* social club, I have searched everywhere as I have three accounts with them. My Uplay codes where eventually found on one of the drives I have disconnected in my PC as a screenshot. So I finally managed to get into Uplay and disable 2 step and then re-enable it to get a new QR code...

So my advice is make sure you know where your one off codes are as it will save you a heap of trouble and general grumpyness... Still waiting on R* though.

ic1male · 12 Jun 2019 at 10:42

Thanks. I'm going to go through all my accounts and do it this afternoon. I think I've got a few that I couldn't be bothered writing backup codes for.

I don't know how safe it is to take a screenshot and save it to OneDrive and/or iCloud...

ic1male · 12 Jun 2019 at 11:51

Mine are done - some sites like R* Social Club, Humble Bundle, Amazon don't give you backup codes so you are a bit screwed if anything happens to your phone.

Malevolence · 12 Jun 2019 at 18:24

I always take a screenshot of the codes and copy them, and a text file of the codes, to a USB stick.

StevieP · 12 Jun 2019 at 18:41

I found this when I changed my phone - now I make absolutely certain that I've got the recovery codes for everything!

theukmoog · 12 Jun 2019 at 19:46

Instead of using your camera on the QR code, opt for a code to enter manually and then just store that code away securely.
I have all my authenticator codes installed on both of my Android devices.

ic1male · 12 Jun 2019 at 20:16

theukmoog said:
Instead of using your camera on the QR code, opt for a code to enter manually and then just store that code away securely.
I have all my authenticator codes installed on both of my Android devices.

Oh. So you can just re-add that code whenever you have to reinstall the authenticator? That's clever.

VaderDSL · 12 Jun 2019 at 20:24

I use Authy personally, that way it syns over numerous devices so if I lose one or 2 devices I have a couple extra devices I can get the codes from.

Semple · 13 Jun 2019 at 00:39

I guess sticking the backup codes in the password manager is one way. I've got mine saved to an encrypted VHD.

theukmoog · 13 Jun 2019 at 10:42

ic1male said:
Oh. So you can just re-add that code whenever you have to reinstall the authenticator? That's clever.

Yep - and I store the setup codes and, when available, any one-time codes they supply, away in a KeePass file, stored locally and backed up locally.

StrongSad · 13 Jun 2019 at 13:05

Well R* are being quite good about it. They switch off 2 step is you supply ID information and only communicate with them from the email address of the account.

One done, however they don't seem to be able to send an email to unlock the other accounts. Also they don't do backup codes...

Quite interested in Authy

varkanoid · 13 Jun 2019 at 13:48

Strudders said:
Story

So I use Google Authenticator for a number of gaming accounts and I have just changed my iPad where the app is located. After migrating my data to the new iPad, all my settings were deleted... Trying to recover them has been a nightmare.

Basically they are local to the device and if that gets wiped then you are up a creak without a paddle, unless you have the one off codes...

So starts the hunt for the missing codes. I am sure there were none for R* social club, I have searched everywhere as I have three accounts with them. My Uplay codes where eventually found on one of the drives I have disconnected in my PC as a screenshot. So I finally managed to get into Uplay and disable 2 step and then re-enable it to get a new QR code...

So my advice is make sure you know where your one off codes are as it will save you a heap of trouble and general grumpyness... Still waiting on R* though.

I think the lesson to learn here is de-authorise your accounts from Google Authenticator before changing a device then you dont need the backup codes. Sometimes this is not possible like when your mobile phone takes a swim in the pool on holiday.

Eliot · 23 Jul 2019 at 10:25

All of you should move to Authy,

Problem solved.

My 2FA codes are synced between my Laptop and Mobile when I get a new phone, All I need to do is enable it and accpet the connection from the existing device.

physichull · 23 Jul 2019 at 15:30

Yeah share your pain. I lost my uplay account because of that. Fortunately you can email ubisoft and they can disable it for you and you can get back in via your email (i i lo my recovery codes or underestimated their importance).