Microsoft Authenticator app recover my codes; No backup; No account

Julia 5 Reputation points
2024-02-02T10:10:19.02+00:00

I want to recover my account credentials on the Authenticator app for a new device, but I have no backup and didn't register an account on my previous device. Unfortunately, I have no access to the codes on my old device. Despite attempting to sign in, Microsoft Authenticator continues to prompt me for a code. I reached out to IT for assistance, but they said they are unable to help. Is there a method for me to independently restore my credentials or retrieve the code on my old device (when there was no backup, no account I signed in to)? Thanks

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2 answers

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  1. Daniel Alejandro Rivera Dominguez 405 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-02-02T15:01:50.31+00:00

    Hello, Thank you for using the Microsoft Q&A forums.
    To resolve Authentictor issues like having lost credentials, you can try this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/troubleshoot-problems-using-microsoft-authenticator-a3a74493-566b-4c2e-b949-a2789bac0fd3 You can also try this one if you don't find a solution in the troubleshooting page: https://account.activedirectory.windowsazure.com/Proofup.aspx

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  2. Anand Prakash Yadav 6,090 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-02-05T09:47:38.9366667+00:00

    Hello Julia,

    Thank you for posting your query here!

    You can restore from backup (assuming there was one) but make sure no accounts have been added to the newly install app. Then sign on with recovery account to do the restore.

    You can recover your account credentials from your cloud account, but you must first make sure that the account you're recovering doesn't exist in the Microsoft Authenticator app. For example, if you're recovering your personal Microsoft account, you must make sure you don't have a personal Microsoft account already set up in the authenticator app. This check is important so we can be sure we're not overwriting or erasing an existing account by mistake. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/back-up-and-recover-account-credentials-in-the-authenticator-app-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40

    Without a backup to restore from the only option is to work with each of the service provider's account recovery methods. The authenticator app is nothing more than a code generator. The two factor is turned on or off at the service provider end.

    You can fill out the Microsoft Account Recovery form to prove that you are the owner of the account. It's a somewhat arduous process, but these steps are taken as security measures, and you can recover the account that way. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/help-with-the-microsoft-account-recovery-form-b19c02d1-a782-dee6-93c3-dc8113b20c42

    If you have other recovery options set up and can access https://myapps.microsoft.com/ , you can re-add the authenticator (and other authentication methods) on that page.

    Please let us know if you have any further queries. I’m happy to assist you further.  

    Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.