I have been getting an error message on Microsoft authenticator for a few days "Unable to recover". Does anyone know how to resolve this?

M N 35 Reputation points
2025-11-12T17:39:49.5966667+00:00

I am having issues with my authenticator app. I cannot recover my backup, and when I re-add the Microsoft account during a new install in the authenticator, it does not allow me to turn on cloud backup.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-12T17:40:02.7966667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If you are encountering the "Unable to recover" error message in the Microsoft Authenticator app, it may be due to issues with the backup or the app's configuration. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

    1. Ensure Backup is Enabled: Make sure that you have enabled cloud backup in the Microsoft Authenticator app. You can check this in the app settings.
    2. Reinstall the App: If you are unable to recover your backup, consider uninstalling the Microsoft Authenticator app and then reinstalling it. After reinstalling, try to set it up again.
    3. Check Account Configuration: When re-adding your Microsoft account, ensure that you are following the correct steps to add the account and enable cloud backup. If the option to turn on cloud backup is not available, it might be due to account settings or permissions.
    4. Contact Support: If the problem persists, you may need to reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your account and device configuration.

    These steps should help you troubleshoot the issue with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

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