Is it Possible to Restore Microsoft Authenticator Codes on Android

Ryan Janke 6 Reputation points
2024-07-12T22:01:10.92+00:00

I've got Microsoft Authenticator on my phone and I'm trying to make sure that I'm able to backup my authenticator codes to a new device. I still have both devices, but I'm unable to move the codes from one to the other.

I've followed the instructions from Microsoft Support with no success. (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/restore-account-credentials-from-microsoft-authenticator-ce53096e-1e1c-4840-9e32-1618bc33cd43#ID0EBH=Android)

I was able to restore the accounts, but everyone one of them says "Action Required" and if I tap on them, it says "Scan the QR code provided by your organization to finish recovering this account" as pictured below.

User's image

This baffles me. If I have the original QR code, why bother with the backup? It really seems like the backup functionality on this app is broken.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. Abiola Akinbade 29,490 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-07-14T12:42:54.4766667+00:00

    Hello Ryan Janke,

    Thanks for your question

    If you see the message Action required next to an account, it may require further verification before it can be used. This means you have to contact your IT Admin for access or re-registration of your MFA for your work/school accounts.

    You can mark it 'Accept Answer' and 'Upvote' if this helped you

    Regards,

    Abiola


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