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How do I get MS Authenticator App on New Phone Without Backup?

Anonymous
2023-12-13T21:32:49+00:00

I have a MS Authenticator app for a work account. According to the settings in Authenticator app, only personal accounts can be backed up, so having a backup is not an option. Without using the backup feature, I am stuck with what seems like a really common problem - While trying to get Authenticator on my new personal phone, I am being asked, within the app, to open said app to input the 2-number code displaying within the app. That's like asking someone to log into their email to send an email to tech support asking for help logging into their email.

Additionally, when selecting that I cannot access my Authenticator app, it gives two more options to log in - both of which still use the Authenticator app.

To further complicate matters, I also have the Authenticator app on my personal iPad. It appears to have also logged me out - when trying to use my iPad Authenticator app to input that 2-number code given to me on my new phone, it doesn't work. No prompt whatsoever appears within the app on my iPad asking for my code. And I have ensured that the app is up to date.

I can't be the only one that uses MS Authenticator for work use only, and therefore can't be the only one not using backup, and therefore can't be the only one experiencing this issue trying to get the app set up on a new phone.

Hoping I can find a solution that doesn't include instructions for backing up an account or retrieving an account from backup.

Thank you so much for your help!!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For business | Other

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-31T23:41:40+00:00

    This is how I solved mine:
    1.) You must be logged-in to you Microsoft 365/office.com account on the web.

    2.) Go to your profile, it is on the top right position.

    3.) Then click "Security info".

    4.) You can add or delete the current device that has the authenticator app access.

    5.) Then use your auth app on your mobile to scan the QR code to generate new authenticator app device.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-19T22:45:41+00:00

    Same! I have just bought a new IPhone and had my Authenticator set up on my old device. I still have my old device BTW

    But since this is a work account then I don’t have any back up and therefore can’t get my Authenticator codes on my new phone. I am logged in but it won’t show the codes and I try to go through the 2 step verification but it requires me to magically scan and imaginary QR code I’ve never had or received.

    I’ve logged into my old phone to see if the QR code is there but lo and behold there is nothing. I’ve tried backing up my old phone but it won’t let me because it’s a work account.

    What am I missing!!??

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-12T15:20:14+00:00

    I found it easiest to login to a machine that is a member of the domain, go to office.com, go to profile/security, remove the old phone/authenticator, add a phone number for text msg. Once I could log into Outlook using this method now Outlook functions the same as Authenticator. One less app is alway better!

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-25T07:06:07+00:00

    Same here! We need a solution ASAP. I am unable to perform critical tasks because of this. I cannot login to my MS office account to 'de-link' my old device, so I can start the registration of my new device. There has to be another verification option added i.e text or email.

    I can still access my Outlook, Teams accounts etc.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-05-15T11:49:39+00:00

    I tried that.. However it still requests me to enter 2 digits number in my app to edit either my profile or account settings.. SO MUCH frustrating. What am I supposed to do to log in????? There must be any alternative way to authenticate.

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