Where can I get my secret key or a barcode for Authenticator app after a factory reset?

[Atiyar Rahman]

I had the Authenticator app installed, and I just reset my phone to factory default. Now when I'm trying to install the app after the reset, it's asking for a secret key or barcode capture. I can't even remember where the barcode I captured from last time. Can anyone help?

 

[theefman]

Re: Where can I get my secret key or a barcode for Authenticator app after a favtory reset?

Go you you outlook.com account security settings and setup the app again.

 

[Atiyar Rahman]

Re: Where can I get my secret key or a barcode for Authenticator app after a favtory reset?

thanks for quick reply...that was helpful...it's done now

 

[psiu_glen]

Note: My solution violates 37 security principles at least.

I take a picture of the QR code with my phone(s). I make sure it doesn't go on Onedrive (well, if/when it does, I delete it).

Then if I have to reset any of them, I can just use the existing pic of the QR code to do it again, and in the meantime my other phones double as Authenticator backups.

So if anyone gets their hands on my phones, it's all over...but as far as 2FA for remote access goes, I'm good. *shrug*