Microsoft Authenticator app isn’t working on new iPhone

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for sharing your question. I understand how annoying it is when your Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't work after you switch to a new iPhone. Seems like you've already tried a bunch of good fixes.

Based on my knowledge this happens because Microsoft Authenticator doesn't just move your account info to a new phone unless you have cloud backup turned on. If you didn't back it up, the app won't make code for your accounts on the new device. This is super common with work or school accounts, which usually need you to set them up again.

Please follow these steps.

Try logging into your Microsoft account security settings at mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info. If your old phone is still listed there, get rid of it. Then, add the Authenticator app on your new iPhone by scanning the QR code they give you. If you can't get into the security info page, try aka.ms/mfasetup or use a recovery option like a backup email or phone number.

May I also ask do you still have your old iPhone? Did you turn on cloud backup in the Authenticator app before you switched phones? Knowing this will help me figure out if you can restore your accounts or if you need to set them up from scratch.

I hope this answer is helpful, if you have any questions, feel free to reply.

Best Regards,

Noel

If the Microsoft Authenticator app isn’t working on your new iPhone and you have already tried reinstalling the app, checking your date/time settings, and ensuring that notifications are enabled, here are a few additional steps you can consider:

1. Check MFA Settings: Ensure that your old device is still set up for multifactor authentication (MFA). If you are using app-based MFA, you may need to complete the MFA process using your old device to set up your new device properly.
2. Recovery Account: Make sure that you have set up a recovery account in the Microsoft Authenticator app on your old device. This ensures that your account credentials are backed up and can be restored on your new device.
3. Enable Phone Sign-In: If you haven't already, enable phone sign-in on your old device. This can simplify the authentication process on your new device.
4. Sync Issues: If you are still encountering issues, it could be due to synchronization problems. Ensure that both your old and new devices are connected to the internet and that the Authenticator app is allowed to run in the background.
5. Contact Support: If none of these steps work, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance, as they may have additional troubleshooting steps specific to your situation.