No backup password known when trying to import exported items

[YoeriNijs]

Just trying to import a xml export, and the import screen asks for a backup password. However, I did not provide any password somewhere, so I cannot import the items. How can I provide a password?

[justin-stephenson]

Hi, What data are you trying to import? The Import mechanism is only possible with a FreeOTP 2.X-generated backup file. On upgrade from FreeOTP 1.X to 2.X you should have been prompted to set a backup password.

[siof]

Issue creator probably don't remember password because it's needed only on backup restore - same as me. How can i change/reset backup password ? Unfortunately i can't find any help/documentation for application.

[frozencemetery]

Hi, What data are you trying to import? The Import mechanism is only possible with a FreeOTP 2.X-generated backup file. On upgrade from FreeOTP 1.X to 2.X you should have been prompted to set a backup password.

Surely it would be better to set the backup file's password when the file is created?

[frozencemetery]

e.g., on a fresh install of freeotp 2.x, there's no prompt, so what key are backup files encrypted with?

[timjrd]

First: thanks for this open-source dead-simple TOTP app! I didn't want to rely on Google/Microsoft Authenticator, so this is much appreciated. 🙂

[...] On upgrade from FreeOTP 1.X to 2.X you should have been prompted to set a backup password.

@justin-stephenson I was using FreeOTP v1 and auto-upgraded to v2. I don't remember having been prompted for a password. Now I can't create backups because upon importing them the password is unknown to me.

Not being able to do backups is a critical issue for me as I can't use Google's app backups.

Thanks! 🙂

[DrKsantor]

Same problem here. Unable to import my restore file. So is there a way to restore password/restore without password?

[zubanst]

Same problem here. FreeOTP v 2.0.2 (43) latest available on google store. App upgraded when I upgraded my phone to Android 14. Didn't ask for a password at upgrade. Now I am unable to import on another device my backup file.

[mihaime]

same for me

[draker42]

Bzzzt -- have to eat my words. I guessed at my old password and it worked -- restored all my 2FA keys, and they work (at least one does). Apologies. You get your 2 stars back -- 5 stars! I get rapped across the knuckles for failing to note I'd made a password...

I was wrong

Same problem for me. Just like @timjrd I have used FreeOTP for ages, and if I had been asked to set a backup password at any time I would have noted it in my password store. Cannot transfer my 2FA codes because I do not have a password to offer.

Agree with @frozencemetery -- why not prompt for a password at backup? Require phone unlock code/fingerprint/whatever before exporting to secure the process. Also the export screen is... confusing, where is the filename? Why may I edit 'externalBackup' text? Why do arrows next to this text do nothing?

Had no issues with FreeOTP for many years, and I'm prepared to re-acquire all my 2FA codes, because that's what FreeOTP used to say (no backups).

I was wrong

Disappointed that an apparently poorly thought-out backup procedure has been added. 3 stars.

[mihaime]

I also see this as more useful as you suggested @draker42 with prompting for a password at backup. I ended up disabling 2FA everywhere (my problem was different...had a rooted phone where I could restore FreeOTP with Swiftbackup and no way to migrate to non-rooted phone), reinstalling my phone, then re-enabling 2FA. A bit cumbersome but it is what it is.

[siof]

I personally switched to AuthenticatorPro (https://github.com/jamie-mh/AuthenticatorPro) by going site by site, disabling and enabling again 2FA to setup on new authenticator.

[andy-maier]

I was also not prompted for a backup password when upgrading to version 2.

This issue needs to be fixed!

[pkocandr]

Yeah, same issue here. I'm not even sure if my app was on version 2.x, but I never entered the master password. Now I backed up the tokens, factory reset my phone, then all apps got reinstalled and I'm not able to restore the keys. At least most of the accounts have an alternative way e.g. using an SMS for the GitHub account. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to comment here now. This is really a huge fail. :-(

[walter-bd]

Yes, I did a fresh install of the app and it doesn't ask me for a password just a backup restore password which I don't have and allows me to click on cancel and start creating new 2FA without any new password

[ericprud]

I'm trying to solve this problem going forward by setting the password for future backups. I uninstalled FreeOTP and re-installed it, thinking I would be prompted to enter a password for future backups. I was indeed prompted for a backup password but it was apparently supposed to match an existing backup someplace on my android so I was again asked to match a password that I have no memory of setting (the phone is two months old).

Assuming one is willing to burn down all existing OTP lists and restart with fresh-generated ones, how does one set the backup password for the future?

[vvo-peytz]

Bzzzt -- have to eat my words. I guessed at my old password and it worked -- restored all my 2FA keys, and they work (at least one does). Apologies. You get your 2 stars back -- 5 stars! I get rapped across the knuckles for failing to note I'd made a password...

I was wrong Agree with @frozencemetery -- why not prompt for a password at backup? Require phone unlock code/fingerprint/whatever before exporting to secure the process. Also the export screen is... confusing, where is the filename? Why may I edit 'externalBackup' text? Why do arrows next to this text do nothing?

Had no issues with FreeOTP for many years, and I'm prepared to re-acquire all my 2FA codes, because that's what FreeOTP used to say (no backups).

I was wrong

Yes, one of my passwords I'm using also have worked for me so finally I've migrated successfully.

[java4devgmail]

I am having same issue. I am switching phone aftet 5 years and I did a backup, no password asked but on restore is asking for password. I have no possibility to find original setups for each account to recreathem on the new phone, so backup or transfer somehow is the only option if it worked.

[realalexandergeorgiev]

so, where is the password stored? i have access to both devices and want to migrate

[vvo-peytz]

so, where is the password stored? i have access to both devices and want to migrate

try all your personal passwords until you find the correct one unless you have used a random dummy pass which you didn't save anywhere

It worked for me. Don't think the password are stored anywhere.

[realalexandergeorgiev]

probably used a dummy pass for one time backup some years ago. i dont re-use, so no clue what it might be. sad. moving to another app, leaving 1 star feedback :kiss:

[ericprud]

I too had to switch to another app. AFAICT, there's no way to start over once you lose the password; the app will never again run on that device.