Microsoft Authenticator can not use after replace my iphone

Question

Microsoft Authenticator can not use after replace my iphone

Li Cheng 11

I have replaced my phone and transfer all data from old one to the new one. But Microsoft Authenticator miss all the work account I add to it on my old phone. Now My old phone is not available. I can not log in the account linked the APP. Is there any way to reset the MFA without log in?

Parbat Singh 80 Reputation points

2024-12-26T08:22:14.04+00:00

Yes, this limitation is related to how the Microsoft Authenticator app handles accounts and security data. The app does not automatically transfer linked accounts (like work or school accounts) to a new device for security reasons. This is because the MFA setup involves encrypted keys that are stored securely on your old phone and are not included in typical data transfers to ensure that they remain secure.

To transfer your accounts, you would typically need to use the app's built-in backup and recovery feature before switching devices:

Backup in the Old Phone: You can enable cloud backup in the Authenticator app settings. This allows you to store your account data securely in your Microsoft account.

Restore on the New Phone: After setting up the new phone, you can use the same Microsoft account to restore the data in the Authenticator app.

Since this step wasn't completed before switching devices, the account relationships aren't available on your new phone. This design minimizes the risk of someone gaining unauthorized access to your accounts if your phone is lost or stolen. Unfortunately, without the old phone or backup, you must rely on alternate recovery options or admin support to regain access.

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Your answer

Parbat Singh 80 Reputation points

2024-12-26T08:22:14.04+00:00

Yes, this limitation is related to how the Microsoft Authenticator app handles accounts and security data. The app does not automatically transfer linked accounts (like work or school accounts) to a new device for security reasons. This is because the MFA setup involves encrypted keys that are stored securely on your old phone and are not included in typical data transfers to ensure that they remain secure.

To transfer your accounts, you would typically need to use the app's built-in backup and recovery feature before switching devices:

Backup in the Old Phone: You can enable cloud backup in the Authenticator app settings. This allows you to store your account data securely in your Microsoft account.

Restore on the New Phone: After setting up the new phone, you can use the same Microsoft account to restore the data in the Authenticator app.

Since this step wasn't completed before switching devices, the account relationships aren't available on your new phone. This design minimizes the risk of someone gaining unauthorized access to your accounts if your phone is lost or stolen. Unfortunately, without the old phone or backup, you must rely on alternate recovery options or admin support to regain access.

Answer 1

Parbat Singh 80

If you can't access your Microsoft Authenticator app due to your old phone being unavailable, and you're unable to log in to the account, you can follow these steps to reset the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) without logging in:

Contact your IT Admin: If your organization uses Microsoft 365 or Azure AD, reach out to your IT administrator to reset the MFA settings for your account. They can disable MFA temporarily or help set it up again for you.

Use a Backup Verification Method: If you have previously set up backup verification methods (like an alternate email address, phone number, or security questions), you might be able to use them to verify your identity and reset MFA.

Use the Account Recovery Process:

Go to the Microsoft login page and select "Can't access your account?" or "I forgot my password."
- Follow the steps to recover your account using the alternate methods you set up previously, like email or text messages.
Reset MFA through Azure AD Portal (if you have admin access):
```
- If you're an admin, you can go to the Azure AD portal and reset MFA for the affected account.

   - Navigate to **Azure Active Directory > Security > Multifactor Authentication** and manage user settings.
```

If none of these options work, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance in resetting the MFA.

Li Cheng 11 Reputation points

2024-12-26T07:10:43.89+00:00

Why I thansfer ALL things in old phone can not have the link ralationship transfer to new phone the same time? Is it APP limatation?
Parbat Singh 80 Reputation points

2024-12-26T08:22:28.4533333+00:00

Yes, this limitation is related to how the Microsoft Authenticator app handles accounts and security data. The app does not automatically transfer linked accounts (like work or school accounts) to a new device for security reasons. This is because the MFA setup involves encrypted keys that are stored securely on your old phone and are not included in typical data transfers to ensure that they remain secure.

To transfer your accounts, you would typically need to use the app's built-in backup and recovery feature before switching devices:

Backup in the Old Phone: You can enable cloud backup in the Authenticator app settings. This allows you to store your account data securely in your Microsoft account.

Restore on the New Phone: After setting up the new phone, you can use the same Microsoft account to restore the data in the Authenticator app.

Since this step wasn't completed before switching devices, the account relationships aren't available on your new phone. This design minimizes the risk of someone gaining unauthorized access to your accounts if your phone is lost or stolen. Unfortunately, without the old phone or backup, you must rely on alternate recovery options or admin support to regain access.
Li Cheng 11 Reputation points

2024-12-26T08:24:32.36+00:00

I tried to reset my password, but the passwork reset and the MFA still there. Please let Microsoft support help to reset my MFA. It is such confused the work flow of MFA.
Li Cheng 11 Reputation points

2024-12-26T08:28:00.7133333+00:00

I have tried below and my password reset but the MFA is still there. Please involove Microsoft support to help me reset MFA. It is such confused work flow of MFA. Is it real safe or inconvienent?
Parbat Singh 80 Reputation points

2024-12-26T08:33:36.5466667+00:00

Li Cheng,

If you have Microsoft Intra ID access then we can able to reset your MFA easily.
Li Cheng 11 Reputation points

2024-12-27T05:41:10.41+00:00

I have my Entra ID and password, but can not login. Would you reset my MFA via my Entra ID(******@KTronicsTech.onmicrosoft.com)?
Li Cheng 11 Reputation points

2024-12-27T05:49:19.2933333+00:00

I can not really agree that for the security reason users can not reset MFA with theirself password and e-mail access for verify code. Can not that thing tell the accout belongs?
BENJAMIN CHAPMAN 0 Reputation points

2025-05-31T11:10:57.7033333+00:00

And what if you are the actual admin for over 100 tenants? The backup doesnt work anyway. There needs to be a way to do business backups reliably and securely for any number of accounts.

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Microsoft Authenticator can not use after replace my iphone

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