I received a message regarding an issue with Google Authenticator, which isn’t generating the correct code due to a backup error. It appears that Google Authenticator isn’t backing up correctly to the cloud, as suggested by a crossed-out icon instead of showing the green cloud with a checkmark. You can find the solution to this problem in my replies to the first and second options, or probably the third.
Hi,
I use Google Authenticator and would like to use the backup feature that has been available for the last six months. However, the cloud icon has a line through it, and it comes up with the message “Your codes will be backed up next time you’re online and refreshed”.
This has been the case for me ever since the backup feature was introduced, and it has occurred across two separate phones (Pixel 6 and Pixel 8). The advice I found online is to clear the cache, reinstall the app, etc. (It’s all the standard “we don’t know, so try these basic things” stuff.)
I spoke with Google Support who kept telling me “All of your MFA keys will be saved automatically there is no settings to enable or disabled back up of MFA keys because it will just automatically saved them” even though I kept telling them that it wasn’t working, and that it was evidenced by the fact that nothing synced across when I got my new phone.
Does anyone have any advice? I understand there is an export/import option, but I prefer backing them up to my account.
Thanks.
First Option
Access the settings on your phone to adjust the date and time, ensuring that the year is accurate, along with the precise date and time.
If the first option does not resolve the issue, please proceed to the second option.
Second Option
- Go to the main menu on the Google Authenticator app
- Select Settings
- Select Time correction for codes
- Select Sync Now
- Now exit the app, and when you next open it, you will see a happy green cloud with a check mark, rather than a cloud with a cross through it.
Third option
Turn on VPN or download Cloudflare Warp, which can sometimes untrigger related issues.
In my case, I had three phones with Google Authenticator installed, with the same Google email, one with an American SIM, and the second with a European SIM, all with different time zones. The first option worked for me. My first phone was working with it, except for others, and I corrected the time for such a country and zone, which fixed my issues
We trust the above information is beneficial; please do not hesitate to contact us should you require additional support.