Lost Accounts on Microsoft Authenticator App (New Phone)

Question

I got a new phone and thought my accounts would simply transfer to my new phone via the authenticator app backup, which is not the case. I lost all of my accounts that had two factor authentication, and now I cannot access most of them. Is there a way to regain access to these accounts? I do not have backup codes or anything but I do have access to my Microsoft account if that helps. Please let me know what can be done, if anything, because some of these accounts do not give me ANY other option to gain access to the account if I do not get authenticator codes or the backup codes that were associated with the account.

Answer 1

🔧 Possible Solutions

1️⃣ Check if you have a backup of Microsoft Authenticator

On your old phone (if you still have access), open Microsoft Authenticator.

Go to Settings > Backup and check if backup was enabled.

On your new phone, sign in with the same Microsoft account and restore the backup.

2️⃣ Recover your Microsoft account

Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup

Try signing in and follow the recovery options.

3️⃣ Use an alternative verification method

If you set up a backup email or phone number, use it to regain access.

On the login page of the locked account, select "Forgot my password" and follow the steps.

4️⃣ Contact Microsoft Support

Visit https://support.microsoft.com and look for the account recovery option.

Explain that you lost access to the Authenticator app and don’t have backup codes.

5️⃣ If this is a work or school account

• You might need to ask your IT administrator to reset your authentication method. 🔧 Possible Solutions 1️⃣ Check if you have a backup of Microsoft Authenticator
  • On your old phone (if you still have access), open Microsoft Authenticator.
  • Go to Settings > Backup and check if backup was enabled.
  • On your new phone, sign in with the same Microsoft account and restore the backup.
  2️⃣ Recover your Microsoft account
  • Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup
  • Try signing in and follow the recovery options.
  3️⃣ Use an alternative verification method
  • If you set up a backup email or phone number, use it to regain access.
  • On the login page of the locked account, select "Forgot my password" and follow the steps.
  4️⃣ Contact Microsoft Support
  • Visit https://support.microsoft.com and look for the account recovery option.
  • Explain that you lost access to the Authenticator app and don’t have backup codes.
  5️⃣ If this is a work or school account
  • You might need to ask your IT administrator to reset your authentication method.

[Moderator Edit: Content from this post has been generated with AI**]**

Answer 2

@James Mullin What ended up working for me:1. Create a trial 365 account under a personal email

1. Create a support ticket under the new trial account named "Lost account to business account" (This is critical, phone support will not assist you without a ticket number)
2. Call your country support line

When you ring through, say:

• Business
• Admin Center
• No
• <<Youll get connected>>
• Data Protection Team

When you get connected, they'll ask for your ticket number. Give them the one you created. They will have to create a duplicate ticket for you associated with the account you lost access to Request a call back. Make sure the email you give them for ticket updates is an email you have ready access to. They will have to call you back after they close the ticket you created and create a new ticket. There are some changes they will have to make in the back end. Once they have done it, you'll get a call back, you'll share your screen and they should help you gain access to your account.

After you've gotten access, don't forget to close your trial account