The myGov Code Generator app is being retired. Make sure you can access your account from overseas before tax season.
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The myGov Code Generator is being retired. It is no longer available to download from app stores. If you still use it, myGov will prompt you to switch to a more secure method.
SMS codes stop working when you cancel your Australian SIM. If SMS is your only sign-in method and your SIM expires, you will be locked out of your myGov account — and unable to access your ATO records.
Passkeys and authenticator apps work from anywhere. These methods do not depend on an Australian phone number. Setting one up before you leave Australia takes less than 5 minutes and protects your account indefinitely.
Your tax return depends on your myGov access. The ATO stores your income statements, payment summaries and prefilled return data in your ATO account, linked via myGov. Without access, your tax refund is delayed.
| Sign-in method | Australian SIM needed? | Works overseas? |
|---|---|---|
| Passkey | No | ✅ Yes |
| Digital ID (myID) | No | ✅ Yes |
| Authenticator app | No | ✅ Yes |
| myGov app | No | ✅ Yes |
| Code by SMS | Yes (with roaming) | ⚠️ Only with active AU number + roaming |
| myGov Code Generator | No (if already installed) | ⚠️ Being retired |
Authenticator apps generate a time-based code you use to sign in. They work offline and don't depend on your Australian phone number. The guide includes step-by-step screenshots for setting up Google Authenticator, Apple's Passwords app and 1Password.
Google Authenticator
✅ Compatible
Apple Passwords app
✅ Compatible
1Password
✅ Compatible
A passkey lets you sign in to myGov without a username, password or verification code — using your fingerprint, Face ID or device PIN instead. You can have up to 3 passkeys on your account. The guide covers passkey setup on both the myGov website and the myGov app, including what to do if your passkey stops working.
If you cancelled your Australian SIM and can no longer receive SMS codes, there is still a way to recover your account — using the myID app. The process requires your Australian passport or driver's licence and takes around 15–20 minutes. The full recovery steps, with screenshots, are in the guide.
Download the free account recovery guideAsks you to click a link to “verify” or “unlock” your account
Promises an unexpected tax refund by SMS or email
Uses urgency (“your account will be suspended in 24 hours”)
Yes. The myGov Code Generator app is no longer available to download from app stores and will be retired. If you currently use it, myGov will prompt you to switch to a more secure sign-in method such as an authenticator app or passkey. Source: my.gov.au, March 2026.
No. Microsoft Authenticator is not compatible with myGov because it does not meet the SHA256 security standard required. Compatible options include Google Authenticator, Apple's Passwords app and 1Password. Source: my.gov.au, March 2026.
You can have up to 3 passkeys registered on your myGov account. Source: my.gov.au.
Yes — if you use a passkey, Digital ID (myID), authenticator app, myGov app, or secret questions, you do not need an Australian phone number to sign in from overseas. Only SMS codes and the myGov Code Generator require an active Australian number. Source: my.gov.au.
If you're locked out because you can't receive SMS codes (e.g. your Australian SIM was cancelled), you can recover your account using the myID app. You'll need to set up myID with Strong identity strength using your Australian passport or driver's licence, then use it to sign in to myGov instead of your SMS code. Source: ATO.gov.au.
Related guide
How to link ATO to myGov: free step-by-step guide →