So, you’ve got Authy set up to protect your precious accounts with two-factor authentication. Kudos! But now you’re staring at your tablet, wondering why your tokens aren’t showing up like they do on your phone. You’re not going crazy — it’s just that Authy keeps things locked down tight… until you tell it otherwise.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Authy doesn’t sync your two-factor authentication codes across devices by default. To activate syncing, you need to enable a feature called Multi-device mode. Once that’s on, adding a new device and seeing your existing accounts become much easier. We’ll walk you through it step by step below.
What Is Multi-Device Mode?
Multi-device mode is a security feature in Authy that controls whether or not new devices can be linked to your Authy account. It also allows for syncing your 2FA tokens across multiple devices like phones, tablets, or computers.
By default, this mode is disabled to keep your data safe. Someone would need access to your current device to allow a new device to sync. Smart, right?
Why Your Devices Aren’t Syncing
Your codes appear on one device but are oddly missing on another. That’s because with Multi-device mode turned off, Authy treats each device like a secret agent — stealthy and isolated. So even if you install Authy on a second phone, unless the mode is enabled, those tokens won’t transfer over.
Don’t worry though. You’re just a few taps away from fixing this issue.
Step-by-Step Fix: Enabling Multi-Device Mode
To sync tokens between devices, you first need to turn on Multi-device mode from your existing Authy device. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Authy app on your primary device (the one that currently displays your tokens).
- Tap on the menu icon (three dots in the upper right corner or the gear icon depending on your device).
- Go to Settings.
- Select the tab labeled Devices.
- Toggle Allow Multi-device to ON.
Boom! You’ve now enabled permission for syncing across devices. Easy, right?
Adding Another Device
Now that Multi-device mode is on, you can add another device and see those tokens magically appear. Here’s what to do:
- Download the Authy app on your second device (another phone, tablet, or a desktop).
- Open the app and enter your phone number (the one linked to your Authy account).
- You’ll get a verification request sent to your original device. Approve it.
- Once approved, the app on the new device will load all your tokens.
It might take a few seconds for all tokens to show up. Don’t panic! Stretch, get coffee, come back — they’ll be there.
Important Tips
- Temporarily Enable Multi-Device Mode: Once you’ve added your other devices, you can go back and turn Multi-device mode off for extra security. Your devices stay synced, but no new devices can be added without turning it back on again.
- Lost Device? If you’ve lost your old device and can’t approve a new one, you might need to contact Authy support. Security before convenience!
Why Doesn’t Authy Just Sync Automatically?
Honestly? Because that would be very risky. Imagine if someone got hold of your phone number and tried to install Authy on their device. Automatic syncing would let them copy your 2FA tokens in a snap. Yikes.
By requiring you to enable Multi-device mode manually, Authy adds a layer of protection. You get to control what devices gain access, and when.
Revoking Access From a Device
Done using Authy on that old phone? Sold your tablet? It’s smart to revoke access to keep tight control over your authentication codes.
- On your current Authy device, go to Settings > Devices.
- You’ll see a list of devices connected to your account.
- Tap the one you want to remove and hit Remove Device.
Instant digital eviction. Feels good, right?
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Still having trouble? Here are a few common hiccups and how to fix them:
- New device stuck on loading screen? Double-check that Multi-device mode is ON on your main device.
- Didn’t get a confirmation request? Make sure your original device is powered on and connected to the internet.
- Tokens missing after syncing? Try closing the app and reopening it. Sometimes it needs a little kickstart.
Desktop or Browser Access? You Can Still Sync!
You can also use Authy on your desktop using the Authy Desktop app. Once Multi-device mode is enabled:
- Download the desktop app from the official site.
- Install and enter your linked phone number.
- Verify using your existing device, and you’re in!
Browser-based 2FA codes? Not quite yet — Authy retired their Chrome app a while back. Stick with native apps for now.
Best Practices for Security
Just because syncing is easier now doesn’t mean you should get complacent. Here’s how to keep things locked down:
- Turn off Multi-device mode after you’re done adding new devices.
- Set up a backup method like recovery codes for services that offer them.
- Keep your phone number secure with two-factor authentication on your mobile provider account.
The Takeaway
Authy does a great job of protecting your digital life, but it plays it safe by not syncing your 2FA codes across new devices until you say so. That’s where Multi-device mode comes in. Just a switch flip and a few taps, and you’re good to go.
So now go ahead — sync responsibly! And if you’ve found this helpful, maybe teach your parents or friends how to set it up too. We all deserve safe logins.
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