I can't cloud save my authenticator

Question

I have a new phone and cause I can't cloudsave my Authenticator I can't switch my phone can you please help me.

Gerne auch in Deutsch

Answer 1

Cloud backup and restore in Microsoft Authenticator depends on the device type and must be set up on the old phone before switching.

1. Check device type

• Backups from iOS can only be restored to iOS.
• Backups from Android can only be restored to Android.

2. If using iOS (iPhone) On the old iPhone, before switching:
3. Enable iCloud services:
   • Turn on iCloud Drive on the device. Learn how.
   • Turn on iCloud Keychain. Learn how.
   • Turn on iCloud Backup. Learn how.
   • In Saved to iCloud, search for Authenticator and turn on the toggle. Learn how.
4. Make sure Authenticator is up to date (version 6.8.33 or later).
5. Open the Authenticator app at least once.

On the new iPhone:

1. Install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store.
2. If the backup does not appear, uninstall and reinstall the app once. The backup should then be offered for restore.
3. If using Android On the old Android phone:
4. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
5. Tap the menu, then Settings.
6. Turn on Cloud Backup.
7. Select a Microsoft personal account where the backup will be stored and tap OK.

On the new Android phone:

1. Install Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Sign in with the same Microsoft personal account used for backup and follow the prompts to restore.
3. What is backed up

• Microsoft personal accounts: one-time password codes are restored; for passwordless sign-in, only the account name is backed up and sign-in is required again.
• Work or school accounts: only the account name is backed up; sign-in is required again after restore.
• Third-party accounts (Amazon, Facebook, Gmail, etc.): one-time password codes are restored.

5. If backup still does not appear (iOS)

• Confirm iCloud Drive, Keychain, and Backup are enabled on the old device and that Authenticator is enabled in Saved to iCloud.
• Ensure the old device had Authenticator opened at least once after enabling backup.
• On the new device, uninstall and reinstall Authenticator again.

If the old phone is already lost or reset and backup was never enabled, the accounts must be reconfigured manually with each service (e.g., Microsoft account, work/school, or third-party sites).

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References:

• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator