How can I transfer my Microsoft Authenticator app to a new device without losing my configured data?

Question

I need to perform a factory reset on my Android device and want to know the correct way to move my Microsoft Authenticator app, including my configured accounts and codes for two-factor authentication, to a new device. Can someone explain the proper steps to do this without losing my data?

Answer 1

Hello EnoScott-6247

Thanks for your question.

To move your authenticator app and configure accounts without losing data, you need to:

Go to your authenticator app

• Open Microsoft Authenticator. Tap the three vertical dots at the top right, and then tap "Settings."
• In the "Backup" section, toggle-On "Cloud Backup" on an Android phone, or "iCloud Backup" on an iPhone.
• This will proceed to back up your data. (Note, this will back this up to the account you used to set authenticator up)
• You can then proceed to navigate to your new phone
• Open your fresh Authenticator and navigate to recovery tool. In recovery you should see >> "Already have a back up? sign in to your recovery account"
• Once you do this, You'll be asked to sign in to the Microsoft account you used for the backup on your old phone. Your accounts will then automatically be added to Microsoft Authenticator on your new one.
• Pls note that some accounts will ask you to revalidate, to confirm it is you. by signing in to those accounts or scanning a QR code. Microsoft Authenticator will display a message if you need to do this.
• Once done test all your accounts are present then go ahead and remove from your old phone

I hope the above answer was helpful.

Please let me know if you have further questions.