Authenticator app on new phone

Question

I am changing phones from an iPhone 14 to 17. The old phone has the Microsoft Authenticator app backed up in iCloud but when I open the same app on the new phone there is no option to restore from backup. I have tried deleting the app and starting over but same problem.

Answer 1

I had the exact same problem. When I launched the Microsoft Authenticator app the first time, I didn’t click restore from backup, I just logged in. I deleted the app and reinstalled and still no option to restore from the backup.

This is what I was able to do:

on new iphone

go to settings-your name-iCloud-see all- then UNCHECK Microsoft Authenticator. Reinstall the Authenticator app. When you do that, it brings back the option to restore from backup when you launch the app!

Answer 2

This worked for me

On the old phone:

Go into Authenticator → Settings → Backup/Recovery → turn iCloud backup OFF, wait a moment, then turn it ON again. Force a backup.

  Make sure that app version is the latest. Update from App Store.
  
     Ensure iCloud Drive & Keychain are enabled, and that Microsoft Authenticator is listed under “Apps Using iCloud”.
     
     On the __new phone__ (before doing anything else):
     
        Delete Authenticator.
        
           In iCloud settings, disable Microsoft Authenticator under “Apps Using iCloud” or “See All Apps” to force it to not use current backup.
           
              Reinstall Authenticator fresh, open it, sign in with your Microsoft account and look carefully for “Restore from backup” or “Begin Recovery” _before_ adding any accounts manually.
              
              Confirm that both devices (old & new) are logged into the same iCloud/Apple ID and the same Microsoft account.
              

Answer 3

The problem is caused by having the slightly older version of MS Authenticator installed on the old phone and a slightly newer version on the new phone. Microsoft updated the Authenticator app AT EXACTLY THE WRONG TIME and consequently, you MUST make sure you have the right version on both phones or this will not work.

If you can get to the old phone:

1. old phone --> update the app
2. old phone --> turn off "back up to iCloud"
3. old phone --> turn it back on
4. old phone --> force a backup
5. new phone --> delete Authenticator if it's installed
6. new phone --> reinstall Authenticator
7. WORKING!