Copying 2fa code on an older phone

[1armedGeek]

I am new to Android. I had to get a replacement phone (Samsung Galaxy S7). I am having difficulty copying 2fa codes sent by SMS. I am also new to these forums, so I don't know if I can post URLs yet. However, I am going to cite an article on the Verge by Jacob Kastrenakes to make sure the explanation is clear.

"If you use two-factor authentication to secure your accounts, you’re probably used to this process: type in your password, wait for a text messaged code to arrive, memorize the code, and then type it back into the login prompt. It’s a bit of a pain. But if you use Android Messages and are logging into an app or website on your phone, it’s about to get a bit easier."

What would you tell a new Android user to do?

How did or do you handle 2fa codes on older phones?

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Clarification: The reason it's difficult is the text is not merely the code, but words (letters) and numbers. On my phone, I don't know how to copy (or even select) just the numbers. It just offers to copy the entire text message.

I wind up copying the entire SMS message > pasting the entire message in another app > selecting just the code, copying that > going to the original app and pasting the code there.

 

[belodion]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Are you saying that you are receiving the codes, but are unable for some reason to enter them in the box where they're required? Is this specifically a question about copying them there, rather than just reading them and entering them manually?

I also don't see why you regard the S7 as an older phone in this respect.

 

[ManiacJoe]

Not sure I fully understand the problem.

Since you are on a new/different phone, I would expect the app's 2fa system to send you a new code to log in on the new phone. Is this not what is happening?

 

[1armedGeek]

I can't copy just the code. The phone copies the entire sms message.

 

[ManiacJoe]

If your SMS app does not let you copy selected parts of previous messages, do a "reply" to the message, type the code, select and copy the code you typed, discard the reply, paste the code where you need it.

 

[1armedGeek]

If your SMS app does not let you copy selected parts of previous messages, do a "reply" to the message, type the code, select and copy the code you typed, discard the reply, paste the code where you need it.

While not perfect, your suggestion is very doable and certainly much better than what I have been doing. Thank you, Joe.

 

[1armedGeek]

Different phone, but the same number.

I got a decent workaround, so I am good.

I will use an example, though, just so people understand what I meant.

A SMS message could say:

"Your code for AcmeApp is: 123456."

My replacement phone would copy the whole "Your code for AcmeApp is: 123456." It doesn't let me select / copy 123456.

 

[chanchan05]

You could download Android Messages from the Play Store. That's the one from Google. you don't need to use the built in one if it doesn't have the features you need. Android Messages works on older phones. The one on the phone is not the one by Google.

Although, why not just use an actual authenticator app? SMS 2FA isn't very secure.

 

[1armedGeek]

You could download Android Messages from the Play Store. That's the one from Google. you don't need to use the built in one if it doesn't have the features you need. Android Messages works on older phones. The one on the phone is not the one by Google.

Although, why not just use an actual authenticator app? SMS 2FA isn't very secure.

Good suggestion about the google download. Thank you.

i do authenticators too.

 

[methodman89]

Are you long pressing to get that pop up option? Are you then, using one finger, sliding either end of the highlighted section so that your only left with the code highlighted?