Change Default Backup Email in Microsoft Authenticator to Gmail

Jose Luis Gonzalez 0 Reputation points
2025-01-21T09:27:28.5766667+00:00

In the Microsoft account I have two related email addresses, one is yahoo and the other gmail (two alias). I have recently assigned gmail as my main Microsoft account email. I would require the Microsoft Authenticator (Android) backup to be stored in my gmail address and not in my yahoo address. By default the backup email address used by the Microsoft Authenticator APP is the yahoo email and I would require to change it to my gmail address. How can this be done?

Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator
A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation.
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  1. Adharsh Santhanam 5,790 Reputation points
    2025-01-21T10:18:47.7+00:00

    Hello Jose Luis Gonzalez, unfortunately the Microsoft Authenticator app does not currently support changing the backup email account directly within the app without reinstalling it. The backup email address is tied to the account used during the initial setup, and changing it requires a fresh setup. As a result, here's what you need to do.

    1. Open the Authenticator app, go to Settings and select Backup. Ensure that your current data is backup to your Yahoo email address.
    2. Uninstall the Authenticator app from your phone and reinstall the app from Google Play Store.
    3. Open the reinstalled Authenticator app and sign in with your Gmail account.
    4. Import your backup here

    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.

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