Lost your phone, and every login wants a code? Here's how to get back in.
Two-factor codes are great until the phone that gets them is gone. The good news is that almost every account has a way back in without that phone. It's slower, but it works. Start with the accounts that unlock everything else: your email, then Apple or Google.
Get your number working again
Most codes are sent by text to your number, not to the phone itself. A replacement SIM or eSIM from your carrier brings those texts back. It's often the fastest fix for everything at once. Here's how that works.
Look for your backup codes
When you turned on two-factor, many sites gave you a list of one-time backup codes. Check your password manager, your notes, your email, or a printout in a drawer. Each code works once.
Use a device that's still signed in
A laptop or tablet that's already logged in can often approve a new sign-in. On a Google sign-in, tap "Try another way" to see your options. Apple can show a code on your other Apple devices, like a Mac or iPad.
Start account recovery, and be patient
Google's recovery starts at g.co/recover. Apple's starts at iforgot.apple.com. Apple's recovery can take several days on purpose, to keep strangers out. Follow the steps and try not to start over.
If your codes were in an authenticator app
Codes from an app like Google Authenticator live in the app, not your number, so a new SIM won't bring them back. If the app was backed up to your account, sign in on the new phone and they return. If not, you'll need each site's own recovery process.
Once you're back in, set up a second way in
For your email, bank, and Apple or Google account, add a backup: saved backup codes, a passkey, or a second trusted device. Then the next lost phone is just a lost phone.
MobileyMe can't get your login codes. Here's what it does instead.
Texts sent to your number, including login codes, go to your SIM. MobileyMe doesn't receive them. For those, you need your number back on a SIM or eSIM from your carrier.
What MobileyMe does is keep your contacts, messages, and call history in a private, encrypted account. While you sort out your SIM and your logins, sign in on another phone or a computer. Your contacts are there, and you can call out from your own number. You can also sign the lost phone out remotely. Set it up before you need it.
Set it up now →Questions people ask
Can I get my text codes without my phone?
Only by getting your number working again on a new SIM or eSIM from your carrier. The codes go to whichever SIM holds your number.
Will a new SIM fix my authenticator app codes?
No. Authenticator codes live in the app, not your number. You need the app's backup, your backup codes, or each site's recovery process.
How long does account recovery take?
It depends on the service. Some take minutes. Apple's can take several days, on purpose, so that someone who stole your phone can't rush it.
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