authenticator app

Dorothy Steele 0 Reputation points
2026-03-10T23:28:31.16+00:00

I am trying to use my authenticator app on my new iPhone. I previously used it on my Samsung phone.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-10T23:28:44.6766667+00:00

    To use Microsoft Authenticator on the new iPhone after using it on a Samsung (Android) phone, install the app on the iPhone and then reconfigure accounts, because passkeys and MFA registrations are device-bound and do not automatically move between devices.

    1. On the new iPhone, install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store.
    2. Open Authenticator and sign in or start adding accounts.
    3. For work or school accounts using Microsoft 365/Entra ID:
      • On a computer, go to the usual sign-in page (for example, Microsoft 365 portal) and sign in with username and password.
      • When prompted for MFA, choose I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app (or similar) and select another available method (SMS, phone call, or existing app on old phone if still available).
      • After signing in, go to the security/MFA settings page and choose to set up or reconfigure the Microsoft Authenticator app.
      • In the Authenticator app on the iPhone, tap + → Work or school account, then scan the QR code shown on the computer. The account will be added and will show a six-digit code or start receiving notifications, depending on the configuration.
    4. For passkeys in Authenticator, re-register them on the new iPhone as needed, because passkeys in Authenticator are device-bound and do not transfer between devices.
    5. If the old phone is still available, keep it powered on and connected until the new iPhone is fully configured, so it can still approve sign-ins if needed.
    6. After confirming that sign-in works with the new iPhone, remove the old device from account security settings and uninstall Authenticator from the old phone to avoid notifications going to the wrong device.

    If access to all other verification methods is lost and there is no other admin who can reset MFA, contact Microsoft support (Data Protection team) via the regional customer service phone numbers to request an MFA reset, as described in the referenced Q&A guidance.

    References:

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