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Save your backup sign-in codes somewhere safe
Print or securely save the backup codes for your most important accounts — especially those protected by a login-code app. These codes are the only way back in if you lose your phone.
Why this matters
Backup codes are the only way back into an account protected by a login-code app if your phone is lost, stolen, or broken. Without them, you may be permanently locked out of your most important accounts. Most people download recovery codes during setup and then cannot find them when needed.
How to do it
- For each account where you have set up an authenticator app, locate the recovery codes — these are usually found in Security → Two-step verification → Recovery codes.
- Download or view the codes and save them in two places: a printed copy stored somewhere physically safe such as a filing cabinet, and a secure digital copy in your password manager or encrypted notes app.
- Do not store recovery codes in the same place as your regular passwords — they need to be accessible even if you lose access to your password manager.
- Label each set of recovery codes clearly with the account they belong to and the date they were generated.
- After using a recovery code to regain access to an account, generate a new set immediately — each code can only be used once.
Need a more detailed walkthrough?
Our step-by-step guide explains each action in full detail, with confirmation steps and related tasks.
View full step-by-step guide →Cyber Essentials framework
This task falls under the User Accesscontrol, one of five areas assessed in the UK's Cyber Essentials scheme. Completing it counts toward your Cyber Essentials alignment. Create a free account to track your progress across all five areas.
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