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Topic: please help, google authenticator app is missing (Read 240 times)

newbie
Activity: 322
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What do you mean by you lost the APK? Go to your play store and download it. If you mean you lost all the authentication codes as your device was not backed up to your email, pretty bad luck then. It's kind of impossible to get it back. What you can do is email the support team of the website which you want to access with your proofs of account ownership and they can remove the 2FA and then you can re-install it again.

Also If I am not wrong, there is some sort of recovery code which you can use to get access to your accounts.
thank you for the advice and input... maybe I'll try to directly connect the web admin, because yesterday I tried using a recovery email or cellphone number, it still doesn't work
newbie
Activity: 322
Merit: 0
If you have an account on exchange and activate 2FA. You should back up the activation code that will be used as recovery code too.

If you don't back up that code, when your phone gone, broken, you will can not recover it by yourself.
The option left is request support from that exchange and wait. They will require you to provide some information, KYC to remove your current 2FA, then you will be able to set it up again with a new activation code that you must back up.
I have tried to open my account but the recovery method also can't and yesterday I tried to recover using my cellphone number but when I entered the code it couldn't work... I'm currently confused, is there another way to retrieve my lost account?
copper member
Activity: 1470
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What do you mean by you lost the APK? Go to your play store and download it. If you mean you lost all the authentication codes as your device was not backed up to your email, pretty bad luck then. It's kind of impossible to get it back. What you can do is email the support team of the website which you want to access with your proofs of account ownership and they can remove the 2FA and then you can re-install it again.

Also If I am not wrong, there is some sort of recovery code which you can use to get access to your accounts.
member
Activity: 785
Merit: 34
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.

sorry to say someone might have an idea on few stuff not everything about your issue, so issues differ, now when you say missing lets say its been Uninstalled from your phone, GOOGLE 2AF is kind of complicated to when you want to get your account back, this has happened to me because then there was no means for me to get access to backup, so i dive down to use AUTHY TWILIO. This makes use of your Mobile phone number.
hero member
Activity: 2268
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It is right but only if your phone, tablet is not dead and you can get 6-digit code from your 2FA application.
What will you have if your phone is dead? How will you deactivate the 2FA of your account?
It is not the only device where you can install an authenticator. You can use desktop if there's a desktop version but if there's no desktop version you can use a mobile emulator on desktop where it is very much the same as your phone.

It is when you need the secret key (activation key) to install that 2FA account to another phone or tablet and get 6-digit code to log in or to remove your 2FA.
Forgot to add that one, that's the only time you have to use the secret key, activation, deactivation and transfer.

Are you sure?
Yes, I am sure as I have said that you don't have a copy of the secret key unless you made a back up.
sr. member
Activity: 602
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It is not a back up because the secret key (activation key) is only needed once when you activate 2FA and also only once to deactivate 2FA.
It is right but only if your phone, tablet is not dead and you can get 6-digit code from your 2FA application.

What will you have if your phone is dead? How will you deactivate the 2FA of your account?

It is when you need the secret key (activation key) to install that 2FA account to another phone or tablet and get 6-digit code to log in or to remove your 2FA.

Quote
The secret key (activation key) is not a back up as I said because you don't have a copy of it and only the platform have it that's why you have to make a copy of it to create a back up of the key.
Are you sure?

It is the only way you can backup your 2FA account and won't have to rely on exchange support.

Quote
What you always need is the Authenticator to copy the code which is needed before you can log in.
It is the code to login your exchange account or to remove 2FA on that account.

How to use Binance authenticator for 2FA. You will have two options when activate your 2FA, QR code or 16-digit key and it's your backup too.

You can scan that QR code or type that 16-digit key on another device to get a same 2FA account to use.
hero member
Activity: 2268
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You always need the 2FA secret key (activation key) because it is your backup.

After you use it to activate 2FA protection for your account, you can use the application code to log in your account but if you say, you will never need the 2FA activation key, I disagree. You always need it to be stored somewhere safely as your phones, your tablets can be broken, unusable technically and your 2FA activation key will save you.
It is not a back up because the secret key (activation key) is only needed once when you activate 2FA and also only once to deactivate 2FA. The secret key (activation key) is not a back up as I said because you don't have a copy of it and only the platform have it that's why you have to make a copy of it to create a back up of the key. What you always need is the Authenticator to copy the code which is needed before you can log in.
sr. member
Activity: 1820
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.

There is a recovery code that you could get on every website that has the authenticator, if you did activate the authenticator make sure to save the recovery code as well so that when you do lose the authenticator you can still recover and disable it.

Google Authenticator was kinda trash actually before the update because you lose all of your data when you lose your phone or uninstall the app if I'm not mistaken, It did happen to me and its really annoying I mean we didn't really save all of the recovery codes on every website, the fact that I didn't recover some of the data is really a mess.

But on the recent update, it was already saved on your Gmail account which im been waiting for years to be updated, I mean it is supposed to be this way so even though you lose the app or uninstall it you just need to sync or login your Gmail account in order to recover all of your authentication data. I mean I wasn't sure yet if it is already like that because I didn't try to do recovery yet but on the application, it says "Your codes are saved to your Google Account".
sr. member
Activity: 602
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You won't need the 2FA secret key when you already set the 2FA authentication of your account in a platform.
You always need the 2FA secret key (activation key) because it is your backup.

After you use it to activate 2FA protection for your account, you can use the application code to log in your account but if you say, you will never need the 2FA activation key, I disagree. You always need it to be stored somewhere safely as your phones, your tablets can be broken, unusable technically and your 2FA activation key will save you.

Don't use g00gle authenticator app, just first export all your 2FA tokens or create backup, than install Aegis Authenticator app and import all tokens there.
Aegis Authenticator is great open source and it works much better than all other apps, but you can also KeePass app as temporary solution, because it can work on computers and smartphones.
Aegis Authenticator
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beemdevelopment.aegis
F-droid: https://getaegis.app/images/fdroid.png
Github: https://github.com/beemdevelopment/Aegis
hero member
Activity: 2268
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You won't need the 2FA secret key when you already set the 2FA authentication of your account in a platform. When you enable 2FA on your account, the platform will provide the secret key which you will add it on google authenticator where the one time pass shown in the google authenticator will be used when you log in the account on the platform. Since you mentioned about missing apk means you got it from your friend through sharing or you may have downloaded it online but it is much safer if you downloaded the google authenticator on google playstore.
legendary
Activity: 3416
Merit: 1225
Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.

I hope you're not hacking someone's account but if you lose the Google Authenticator without the backup key you lose your access, when you are setting up an authenticator the first time you are given a key and a reminder that if you lose the authenticator, you lose your access. This is your way to get in without the authenticator,

The other way is to send support they will request proof of ownership, and will have to prove that you own that account by sending them all the documents that they will request to prove you are the rightful owner.

After they grant you your request you can then disable the authenticator on the security page of your account.
legendary
Activity: 2212
Merit: 7064
Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.
Missing from where? And what does it have to do with bitcoin??
Don't use g00gle authenticator app, just first export all your 2FA tokens or create backup, than install Aegis Authenticator app and import all tokens there.
Aegis Authenticator is great open source and it works much better than all other apps, but you can also KeePass app as temporary solution, because it can work on computers and smartphones.
hero member
Activity: 1386
Merit: 513
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only thing you could do is contact the market you are referring to so that they could guide you more about how can you recover your account if you have lost your 2FA either its Google Authenticator or Phone number. Once i lost Phone number to my CEXs account made in spain by my friend and i have made 3 login here in my Local Country. Due to which they restricted my account by assuming my login as spam so when i tried to logged in again they asked for otp and when i called my friend in spain to give me OTP.

He said, i am on plane back to Local Country. I was like ok then, i think i should have to wait for him to go back as the sim he has with him. IDK if there was any other way to get OTP on that SIM. but i contacted the exchange and they have already full guides of how can i recover my account back. Without that number, by providing my KYC details again. And i am sure you will also find a way to log into your account again by providing some KYC.
hero member
Activity: 770
Merit: 538
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OP, if the Google authenticator is missing on your phone, that means you probably might have uninstalled it mistakenly, and if it gets uninstalled without backup for your linked accounts, you will lose all codes to the account you linked them to. Although, before you add Google Authenticator to any account, either you scan the QR code or you will be given a code that contains about 20+ combinations of numbers and letters. If you have that code, then you can just redownload the G-authenticator and reenter the code, and you may be able to access your account again.

Another alternative is that, depending on how fast and reliable the customer support of the platform you are using is, if you send them an email or contact support through their provided means, they will be able to deactivate the Google authenticator on your account. I think I had those issues with one CEX in the past. I contacted support through mail, and I was required to pass some KYC, after which the authenticator was removed.
hero member
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.
There is an option that allows the exchange not to require 2FA to log in to an account because there is another option, namely via a text message sent to the number we use or there is an option to get a code via an active email that we used when registering for the exchange.

2FA is necessary for your security reasons as the owner of the exchange account and do not attempt to disable it. If the exchange you use has several types to increase account security, use all of them.
I've never lost access to google authenticator because the code when I activated it I saved fine offline.

Beyond that, don't store assets on an exchange because it won't be safe.
sr. member
Activity: 602
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The Google Authenticator Code function is used if you want to make a WD (withdrawal) and have already passed the KYC stage on the exchange. If you only use your trading account as an investment account, I don't think you need the Google key. Simply enter your exchange with the confirmation code sent to the email you used when you registered with the exchange you have chosen.
2FA is for security of your account and you need it for your account definitely. What you want to use your account for is another issue but I disagree if you say 2FA is needed for trading account, not not needed if you use your account as investment storage wallet.

Reminder: do not keep your money in online accounts

Quote
Well, the story is if the code is lost and you forget to copy it in notepad or something else. contact your cs exchange and follow the steps and after that's done you can immediately log back in and reset everything needed and don't forget to note down the new code and enter/paste the code on your cellphone again.
It will take a few hours, 24 hours or longer. Backup the 2FA code is better and you will not have to wait for Customer support.
full member
Activity: 658
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.
If you have no access of your Google Authenticator app or have no backup key of it then you are surely in trouble. You must have backup key of every 2FA. I think you aren't conscious about your security if you don't have it.

Anyway as others said you have to make a support ticket to get help from certain platforms to disable your 2FA but you have to submit again your KYC documents for verification if it's either you or not. Then they might disable it.

To avoid these types of situation I will suggest to use Twilio Authy Authenticator Application than using Google Authenticator Because this app will help you to recover your every codes by adding another leyar security with phone number. If you find your phone number then you can access it from everywhere or any devices. Just you need to login with that number. Here are the link of this Application: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.authy.authy
sr. member
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.

The Google Authenticator Code function is used if you want to make a WD (withdrawal) and have already passed the KYC stage on the exchange. If you only use your trading account as an investment account, I don't think you need the Google key. Simply enter your exchange with the confirmation code sent to the email you used when you registered with the exchange you have chosen.

Well, the story is if the code is lost and you forget to copy it in notepad or something else. contact your cs exchange and follow the steps and after that's done you can immediately log back in and reset everything needed and don't forget to note down the new code and enter/paste the code on your cellphone again.
sr. member
Activity: 658
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.
Did you mistakenly uninstall or freeze your Google Authenticator app? Because it cannot just varnish like that from your phone. If you have an antifreeze app, launch it, scroll to your where your Google authenticator is and have it unfreeze.

If it is completely uninstalled, download GA and enter the setup key of the account from where you wrote it down. If you don't have the setup key, then try reaching out to support for help. But the easiest way to recover your accounts is through the Google account synchronization connected to your email address as explained by coin_trader.
legendary
Activity: 1512
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Just install again your google authenticator and sigin the google account that you use before. This is the new feature of google that solves issue like you. Remember on what google account login on your phone by the time the app remove.
The best is offline backup. When you enable 2FA on any platform, you will be given secret code, which you can backup and always use to recover your account.

@Ariaryanto
Coin_trader is correct, if you connected the authenticator to your Gmail, only what you need is to download the authenticator. It will automatically synchronize with your email if you have it on the device before. Or click at the top right corner icon to see your email and click on it to get your authenticator.

With how I explained how google authenticator works, if you save the passwords of the accounts like exchanges that you use with the Google 2FA on your Gmail, everything an enemy like hackers need is to have access to your email to compromise your accounts and steal your coins

For security and safety, the best is offline backup. I will recommend you Aegis (Android) or Tofu (iOS). Make sure you do the offline backup of the secret codes.
sr. member
Activity: 1554
Merit: 334
Before you do anything drastic OP, try to restart your device that has a missing Google Authenticator APK and make sure that you've left no stone unturned when it comes to finding where is it, it could be on a different folder than it should've been. If you can find the app and it doesn't work, maybe clearing the cache or reinstallation? If those stuff don't work then try contacting support and detail to them what you've done already so they can skip over those steps.

Some alternatives include courtesy of this website:
  • LastPass
  • Duo Security
  • Auth0
  • Microsoft Authenticator
sr. member
Activity: 1960
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You must contact Exchange support to open your account. I have experienced this because I lost my phone. support will perform the procedure to deactivate the Authenticator in your account.
each exchange may have a different procedure to help you claim your account. just do it and follow the instructions from support. I didn't think it would be too hard to do.
after you have successfully recovered your exchange account. Don't forget to save the recovery code which usually comes out before or at the same time as the barcode you scanned.
copper member
Activity: 2800
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.

Do you manage to connect a google account on authenticator before you lost the app because your credentials automatically backed up on your google account connected to your authenticator on the latest update of google which you can read here https://security.googleblog.com/2023/04/google-authenticator-now-supports.html

Just install again your google authenticator and sigin the google account that you use before. This is the new feature of google that solves issue like you. Remember on what google account login on your phone by the time the app remove.
legendary
Activity: 3374
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Do you mind to share what exchange or market account you talking about?
If you don't have the secret key of your Google authenticator you won't be able to disable it from your exchange account.

If the exchange account you talking about is Binance you will need to record a video of yourself while holding a government ID and telling them that you would like to reset your 2FA authenticator with the current date and email and after that submit it to their customer support.

Other exchanges also ask for selfies while holding ID and a piece of paper with a letter that tells them that you are requesting to reset 2FA.
full member
Activity: 504
Merit: 144
If you have an account on exchange and activate 2FA. You should back up the activation code that will be used as recovery code too.

If you don't back up that code, when your phone gone, broken, you will can not recover it by yourself.
The option left is request support from that exchange and wait. They will require you to provide some information, KYC to remove your current 2FA, then you will be able to set it up again with a new activation code that you must back up.
hero member
Activity: 700
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Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.

I’m not sure what you mean, but if you have lost access to your google authenticator app and you’re looking for a way to login into your centralized exchange account then you should start by sending an email to the customer support and they’ll be the one to direct you on what step to follow if you have to carry out a simple verification or not before gaining access back to your account. Just email them or if there’s other means to contact them do so. I.e if I understood what you wrote correctly.
newbie
Activity: 322
Merit: 0
Maybe someone has experienced the same fate as me, the Google Authenticator apk is missing! Maybe my friends know a way to be able to enter Google Authenticator without a key or is there another way to deactivate Google Authenticator so that when we want to enter a market account, we don't need the Google Authenticator key anymore? Hope someone knows about all this, thanks.
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