These are special codes that act as a backup way to log into your account when your usual verification method fails.
Imagine this: You’re trying to log into your online account, but for some reason, you don’t remember the password or can’t receive the OTP on your phone. Maybe your network is down, or you lost your number.
How will you get back in?
This is exactly where recovery or backup codes can save you.
These are special codes that act as a backup way to log into your account when your usual verification method fails.
Think of them like spare keys to your digital life. If you haven’t had them yet, you might be taking a bigger risk than you realize.
What Are Recovery or Backup Codes?
Recovery or backup codes are unique, one-time-use codes that help you regain access to your account when you can’t use your usual authentication method—like an OTP, a text message, or an authentication app.
Many platforms, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Microsoft, provide these codes as a backup option for two-factor authentication (2FA).
When you enable 2FA on your account, you usually verify your identity using something you know (password) and something you have (your phone for OTPs or an authentication app).
But what if your phone is lost, stolen, or out of service? That’s when recovery codes step in. You can enter one of these codes instead of an OTP to log in and regain control of your account.
The length, format, and number of codes vary depending on the platform. Some services provide a single recovery code, while others give you multiple codes—usually between five and ten.
How to Find and Use Backup Codes in Google
Google provides 10 backup codes when you set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your Google account.
Each code can be used only once, so if you run out, you’ll need to generate a new set. Here’s how you can find, download, and store them safely.
On your Android,
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Google
Manage your Google Account.
- At the top, tap Security.
- Under “How you sign in to Google,” tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
- Under “Backup codes,” tap Continue
.
- From here, you can:
- Get backup codes: To add backup codes, tap Get backup codes.
- To create new codes, tap Refresh
.
- To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, tap Delete
.
- Download your backup codes: Tap Download Codes
.
- Print your backup codes: Tap Print
.
On your Computer,
- Go to your Google Account.
- On the left, click Security.
- Under “How you sign in to Google,” click 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
- Under “Backup codes,” click Continue .
- From here, you can:
- Get backup codes: To add backup codes, tap Get backup codes.
- To create new codes, tap Refresh
- To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, tap Delete
- Download your backup codes: Tap Download Codes
- Print your backup codes: Tap Print
On your iPhone or iPad,
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap Menu > Settings > your account name > Manage your Google Account.
- At the top, tap Security.
- Under “How you sign in to Google,” tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
- Under “Backup codes,” tap Continue .
- From here, you can:
- Get backup codes: To add backup codes, tap Get backup codes.
- To create new codes, tap Refresh
- To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, tap Delete
- Download your backup codes: Tap Download Codes
- Print your backup codes: Tap Print
How to Sign in Using a Backup Code
If you can’t receive an OTP, you can log in using a backup code. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Sign-in page and enter your email and password.
- When prompted for verification, tap “Try another way.”
- Select “Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.”
- Enter one of your unused backup codes to sign in.
- Since each code can be used only once, mark it as used to avoid reusing it later.
Do not share them with anyone. That’s why you should write or print them down and keep them in a safe place at your home.