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Why is Microsoft removing authentication from Apple Watch?

Pei Pei Bigbee 6 Reputation points
2022-12-23T03:09:30.113+00:00

It’s very frustrating to me that I’m forced to use Microsoft products for my work. Microsoft products are buggy, and they continue to regress on functionalities. TEAMS is so much worse than Skype in terms of usability and reliability. Authenticator is not user-friendly. Now they’re removing authentication from the Apple Watch, which means I must carry my phone with me at all times and it defeats the Apple Watch feature that doesn’t require users to carry their phones with them. Is it really just about capitalistic opportunities because Microsoft can’t beat Apple in so many ways, and as a result users get caught in the cross-fire? It would be great if Microsoft can actually consider the users instead of thinking they’re smarter than their users and competitors. Please help me understand how this benefits the users.

Microsoft Security Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. Grant Erickson 10 Reputation points
    2024-03-23T17:40:51.1733333+00:00

    This was the primary use for my watch since I need to use the Authenticator multiple times per day.

    If there is a legitimate security concern with the watch, please say what it is. At least put it on Apple to make changes to enable this solution. The message above tells nothing about specific concerns. Just 'incompatible' isn't enough information for this level of inconvenience.

    Microsoft, please respond.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Dillon Silzer 57,826 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-12-23T04:06:06.517+00:00

    Hi @Pei Pei Bigbee

    1) Micrsooft removed it due to:

    In the upcoming Authenticator release in January 2023 for iOS, there will be no companion app for watchOS due to it being incompatible with Authenticator security features. This means you won't be able to install or use Authenticator on Apple Watch. We therefore recommend that you delete Authenticator from your Apple Watch. This change only impacts Apple Watch, so you will still be able to use Authenticator on your other devices.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/common-questions-about-the-microsoft-authenticator-app-12d283d1-bcef-4875-9ae5-ac360e2945dd

    2) If possible, you could set up MFA to work with SMS, and therefore you could receive a SMS Text with a code to authenticate (just a suggestion).

    If this is helpful please accept answer.

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