Import 2FA accounts from Google Authenticator into Bitwarden

[Paapaa]

Feature name

Import 2FA accounts from Google Authenticator directly into Bitwarden.

Feature function

Currently, it is not possible to import TOTP accounts/seeds from Google Authenticator (GA) into Bitwarden. And GA is probably the most popular 2FA app out there - (maybe not the best). In order to import from GA into Bitwarden one needs to use a second 2FA app as a “middleware” - like Aegis. Another way is to just create new TOTP seeds manually on each site and import those. Both processes are slow and tedious if one has many TOTP accounts.

GA allows exporting TOPT-codes using QR codes but Bitwarden can’t read those - only GA (on another device) can. This feature would make it far easier to migrate 2FA into Bitwarden as not extra apps or steps would be needed.

[Peter_H]

@Paapaa

GA allows exporting TOPT-codes using QR codes but Bitwarden can’t read those - only GA (on another device) can.

See here how you can do this yourself:

Import TOTP from Google Authenticator

I just tried this myself and I now do understand your confusion. Sorry, about this. It is not as simple as it seems to be when just reading the text. But starting with getting that QR code still is the way to go. The very detailed process (which should be possible to follow even if one is not a computer genius) is described here: The author even created a nice video of this process: [Extract Secret Keys from the Google Authenticator QR Codes.]

[Paapaa]

@Peter_H

See here how you can do this yourself:

IMO your video nicely proves that there is a need for that feature and as I wrote: “Both processes are slow and tedious if one has many TOTP accounts.”. I also would not advice using a 3rd party web service or application to process your 2FA seeds. You need to be able to trust those 100%, thus this feature should be built in Bitwarden.

[Aalex]

There is a much faster method of extracting the encrypted code without installing python as suggested in the video.

GoogleAuthenticator.dev

there you scan the QR code exported from GA. Then Click the “Step 1”, “Step 2” and “Step 3” buttons and the value from Step 3 can be entered in Bitwarden authenthicator. Worked for me.

[grb]

@Aalex Welcome to the forum!

This is a feature request thread about the TOTP feature that is integrated within the Bitwarden Password Manager (for Premium users). FYI, if you want to post questions or tips about Bitwarden’s new, stand-alone Authenticator app, you can do so in the Bitwarden Authenticator section of the Community Forum.

Regardless, I am leaving your comment here, as it may also benefit those who want to import from GA into the Bitwarden Password Manager.