Google Authenticator App Not Working or Showing Codes? 7 Fixes to Try

When Google Authenticator app doesn’t work, your biggest nightmare kicks in. You are suddenly locked out lock you out of your accounts, especially if two-factor authentication is enabled. In the past few days, Google Authenticator users have been complaining of the app not opening, not even showing code, or the app stops working after switching devices. If you are among those who are facing these issues lately, you must know that these issues are likely caused by incorrect device time, account transfer issues, or outdated software. Worry not, in this guide we will walk you through fixes for issues where the Google Authenticator app is not working on new Android phone or an iPhone.

How to Fix Google Authenticator When It’s Not Working or Showing Codes

1. Verify your device’s date and time

Incorrect system time is by far the most common reason authentication codes fail. If your phone clock is even slightly out of sync, every generated code may be rejected. Here’s what you need to do:

• Open Settings
• Go to Date & Time
• Enable Set time automatically
• Enable Automatic time zone
• Restart Google Authenticator
• Try generating a new code

2. Sync Google Authenticator’s internal clock

Even with the correct device time, Google Authenticator’s internal clock may occasionally drift. Fortunately, Google includes a built-in synchronization option on Android that resolves this quickly. Follow these steps:

• Open Google Authenticator
• Tap the three-dot menu
• Select Settings
• Tap Time correction for codes
• Choose Sync now

3. Make sure your accounts transferred correctly

Many users report the Google Authenticator app not working on new phone after upgrading devices because their accounts weren’t migrated properly. If codes are missing, you’ll need to complete the transfer again before deleting your old device.

• Open Authenticator on your old phone
• Export your accounts
• Scan the QR code using the new phone
• Verify each account appears correctly
• Test login before deleting the old device

If you no longer have your previous phone, recover access using each website’s backup codes or account recovery options.

4. Update or reinstall Google Authenticator

An outdated installation can occasionally cause the Google Authenticator app to not open or crash immediately after launch. Updating or reinstalling the app replaces damaged files and resolves compatibility issues.

• Open Google Play Store or App Store
• Check for available updates
• Install the latest version
• Restart your phone
• Open Authenticator again

5. Fix missing verification codes

If the Google Authenticator app not showing code on Android phone or an iPhone, it’s possible that the affected account may have been removed accidentally or failed during transfer. Likewise, the Google Authenticator app not showing code on new phone usually points to an incomplete migration.

• Confirm the account still exists inside Authenticator
• Verify the correct Google account is signed in if cloud sync is enabled
• Restore the account using backup QR codes if available
• Re-add the service from its security settings

6. Clear the app cache (Android)

Corrupted temporary files can interfere with normal operation, especially after major Android updates. Clearing the cache removes damaged data without deleting your stored accounts.

• Open Settings
• Tap Apps
• Select Google Authenticator
• Open Storage
• Tap Clear Cache
• Restart the application

Avoid selecting Clear Storage unless you’re certain your accounts are safely backed up.

7. Reconnect two-factor authentication

If the Google Authenticator app is not working for Facebook or Instagram, the issue often lies with the account configuration rather than the app itself. Therefore, it’s advised reconnecting two-factor authentication usually resolves invalid verification code errors.

• Log into the account using backup methods
• Disable existing two-factor authentication
• Re-enable Authenticator authentication
• Scan the newly generated QR code
• Test the new verification code before signing out

Why is my Google Authenticator not working?

Authenticator codes are time-based. Even if your internet connection is perfect, incorrect device time, damaged app data, or an incomplete phone transfer can generate invalid verification codes. Other common causes include:

• Incorrect device date and time
• Account not transferred correctly
• Outdated Google Authenticator version
• Corrupted app cache
• Device migration issues
• Backup restoration problems
• App crashes after updates
• Server-side login issues with supported services

We hope the aforementioned methods helped you fix Google Authenticator not opening or working issues on your device. If any of the methods helped you, let us know in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to check our guide on how to correctly use Google Authenticator with Uplay.

FAQs related to Authenticator app not working

Why is Google Authenticator app not working?

The most common causes are incorrect device time, incomplete account transfers, outdated app versions, or corrupted app data.

Why is the Google Authenticator app not working on iPhone?

If the Google Authenticator app not working on iPhone, check that automatic date and time are enabled, update iOS and the app, and confirm your accounts transferred correctly if you’ve recently changed devices.

Why is the Google Authenticator app not working on new iPhone?

The Google Authenticator app not working on new iPhone is usually caused by an incomplete account migration. Export your accounts from the old device or recover them using backup codes if necessary.

Why is Google Authenticator app not showing code?

If the Google Authenticator app not showing code, verify the account still exists inside the app, sync the device time, and ensure the account transfer completed successfully.

Why is Google Authenticator app not opening?

Crashes at launch are usually caused by outdated software, corrupted app files, or compatibility issues after an operating system update. Updating or reinstalling the app typically resolves the problem.

Can Google Authenticator stop working after changing phones?

Yes. If accounts aren’t transferred correctly, the Google Authenticator app not working on new phone is a common outcome. Always verify every account before erasing your old device.