Formatted phone, 2FA locked out from exchanges

[ggc1ose]

Is there any way to get around this? There don't seem to be logical implications for this to happen, why can't I log back in my google auth account like my google account in my phone after I format it. I mean its the same hardware ID, and even if its stolen its the same google account too!

I tried looking for the settings file for the auth app in phone memory/android but couldn't find it.

TLDR;
So basically my question is, is there a way to get around getting locked out of every damn exchange every time I try out a new ROM or format phone?

[Rannasha]

Backup the QR code or the alphanumeric code that you get when you set up 2FA. Alternatively, you can use backup software for your phone to backup the apps settings.

Google Authenticator, despite being a Google app, is not synced with your Google account (which would be a major security vulnerability if it were).

[exocytosis]

I sorta have a similar question, so I guess I might as well just post it in this thread:

Is there any way to backup my Windows Authenticator app? (In case my phone is destroyed/lost, etc.) I heard there were printable backup codes for the Google Authenticator app, but haven't found anything similar for the Windows Phone version.

[dexX7]

This is pretty much a very well written summary of your options. There are more than one:

http://www.howtogeek.com/130755/how-to-move-your-google-authenticator-credentials-to-a-new-android-phone-or-tablet/

[ponchoman]

+100 what s/he said.

Backup the QR code or the alphanumeric code that you get when you set up 2FA. Alternatively, you can use backup software for your phone to backup the apps settings.

Google Authenticator, despite being a Google app, is not synced with your Google account (which would be a major security vulnerability if it were).