2FA guide
Get the 2FA Secret Key from a QR Code
A 2FA setup QR code is just an otpauth:// link containing your secret key. If you have a screenshot or photo of it, you can read the key back out — useful for backups, for moving to another app, or for generating codes on a computer.
How to read the secret from an image
- Open the generator and choose “Upload QR code”.
- Select the screenshot or photo. PNG, JPG and other common image formats work; the QR code does not need to be cropped.
- The otpauth:// link is filled into the input box and the current code appears. Use the eye icon to reveal the link; the secret is the value after “secret=”.
Tips for images that will not scan
- Use a screenshot rather than a photo of a screen when possible; moiré and reflections make decoding harder.
- Make sure the whole QR code, including the white border around it, is visible.
- If the image is very small or blurry, zoom in on the original and take a new screenshot.
- If you have a webcam, “Scan QR code” works directly from a phone screen.
What if the QR code is a Google Authenticator export?
Export codes start with otpauth-migration:// and can contain many accounts. The upload button recognises them automatically and imports every account as a separate saved key.
Keep it private
Decoding runs entirely in your browser using the built-in barcode detector or the ZXing library; the image is never sent anywhere. The secret you extract gives full access to your 2FA codes, so store it only in a password manager or another place you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Can I extract the key from any QR code?
Only from 2FA QR codes, which contain an otpauth:// or otpauth-migration:// link. Other QR codes are reported as not containing a 2FA secret.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. On a phone, “Upload QR code” lets you pick a screenshot from your photo library.