Changing Phones or Phone Numbers with Authenticator Apps

All Forensic OSINT users are required to use an authenticator app for secure access. If you're changing phones or phone numbers, it’s critical that you transfer your 2FA codes before losing access to your old device.

This guide walks you through what to do to ensure you don’t get locked out of your account.

Changing Your Phone Number (Same Device)

If you're keeping the same phone but updating your number:

✅ You don’t need to take any action in your authenticator app. Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy are tied to your device, not your phone number.

You're good to go — no need to update anything within Forensic OSINT.

Switching to a New Phone

If you're upgrading to a new phone, you must transfer your 2FA codes before wiping or discarding your old device. Authenticator apps do not sync automatically between devices (unless explicitly backed up or synced).

Google Authenticator

• On your old phone: Open the app → Tap Menu → Transfer accounts → Export accounts.
• On your new phone: Install Google Authenticator → Tap Import and scan the QR code.

Microsoft Authenticator

• On your old phone: Enable Cloud Backup in the app settings.
• On your new phone: Install the app and sign in with the same Microsoft account to restore.

Authy

• On your old phone: Enable Multi-device in Settings.
• On your new phone: Install Authy and register using the same phone number.
• Once verified, you can remove the old device from Authy’s settings.

Must-Do Checklist for All Users

• 🔁 Transfer your 2FA codes to your new phone before discarding or wiping the old one.
• 🧠 Remember: Forensic OSINT does not support SMS-based 2FA. Authenticator apps are mandatory.
• 🔐 Back up your 2FA codes where possible — or store emergency codes provided by your authenticator app.
• 🧪 Test logging into your Forensic OSINT account before you lose access to your old device.

Need help or can’t access your Forensic OSINT account after switching phones?
Contact support@forensicosint.com and we’ll assist you in securely regaining access.