Github access.

[Rephael4321]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

💬 Feature/Topic Area

Other

Discussion Details

Hi everyone. I cant find any category for this kind of question, so i'll ask it here.

I'm a free github user for the past few years. i had github app on my phone with authenticator app installed. my phone was damaged so i cant access both apps. i also dont have the recovery code for 2mfa app. i have new phone now. how can i connect my github app and 2mfa app back?

[schoeschi]

Just to make sure I understand: You aren't locked out of your GitHub account, you just don't have your Authenticator app connected?

[Rephael4321]

that is correct. my phone and laptop was damaged at about the same time period. i bought new phone and laptop. i managed to connect to github on my laptop using the web browser. but i cant connect to github app on my phone, nor setting up the authenticator app.

[toqulent]

Ah so you are logged in but if you're logged out you'll basically never come back?

[kevinhsdev]

Hey! Sorry to hear about your phone — this is a stressful situation but there are a few options depending on what you still have access to.

Option 1: Use a saved recovery code
When you first set up 2FA on GitHub, you were given a set of recovery codes. If you saved them anywhere (notes app, email, printed out), you can use one at https://github.com/login to bypass the 2FA prompt and get back in.

Option 2: Use an SMS fallback (if you set one up)
If you configured a phone number as a backup when enabling 2FA, GitHub may be able to send a one-time code to that number — even on a new phone, as long as you kept the same number.

Option 3: Use a saved passkey or security key
If you previously added a hardware key or passkey, those can also be used to log in.

Option 4: Account recovery via GitHub Support
If none of the above apply, this is your path. Go to:
https://support.github.com/contact/recovery-request

GitHub will ask you to verify your identity (email access, recent activity, SSH/GPG keys associated with the account, etc.). The process can take a few days, but it works.

⚠️ Unfortunately, if you don't have recovery codes and didn't set up a backup method, GitHub Support is the only way in — there's no shortcut around 2FA for security reasons.

Once you're back in, make sure to save your recovery codes somewhere safe and consider adding a backup 2FA method. Good luck! 🤞