But it then asked me to log in with my google authenticator. That would mean i had to have used google authenticator as my two factor authorization years ago right since it asked me for that when trying to log in?
If they asked you to enter the 2FA code, it clearly means that you had enabled 2FA.
So right now i changed my two factor from sms phone number to google authenticator. But what if i then change it back to sms phone number? I then change it back to google authenticator. Then i do those steps you listed with the three dot menu? Then once i have that, i will get QR codes?
In the case you disable 2FA and enable it again, you can simply save the set-up key this time and keep it in a safe place.
Then i do those steps you listed with the three dot menu? Then once i have that, i will get QR codes? But i need to take picture of it as backup? That doesn't make any sense. So there isn't something like a coinbase key where its a long number/word similar to like binance/bittrex?
When you export your account via google authenticator application, you don't need Coinbase setup key.
The QR code can be used to backup all accounts at a same time.
Note that by using "export account" feature, You actually backup the google authenticater not your coinbase account individually. It can include all the accounts you have.
Do you always get the same qr code with your authenticator or it generates a new one each time?
If you select same account(s), you will get a same QR code.