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How to retrieve a deleted google authenticator key

Ifeanyi Udumaga 0 Reputation points
2026-02-10T20:06:12.5066667+00:00

I mistakenly deleted and exchange server authenticator key from my google authenticator and I now find it difficult to login into the exchange server because it keeps asking me to enter my authenticator key.

please how do I retrieve the authenticator key from my google authenticator?

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  1. Teddie-D 12,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-02-11T00:59:15.0533333+00:00

    Hi @Ifeanyi Udumaga 

    Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

    You cannot retrieve a deleted authenticator key from Google Authenticator. Once an entry is removed, the app has no way to recover or display that secret again. 

    You may want to review guidance in the Google Account Community on recovering lost authentication codes: I accidentally deleted my Google Auth, - Google Account Community
    This information is provided as a convenience to you. These sites are not controlled by Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks before using any suggestions from the above link. 

    If recovery is not possible, you will need to contact your Exchange Server administrator to reset multi‑factor authentication in the configured MFA provider (for example, AD FS or a third‑party MFA solution). 


    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-10T20:06:20.1133333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Unfortunately, once a key is deleted from Google Authenticator, it cannot be retrieved. Google Authenticator does not provide a way to recover lost keys or codes. If you have lost access to your authenticator key, you will need to follow the recovery process for your Exchange Server account. This typically involves using backup codes, if you have them, or contacting your administrator or support team to reset your two-factor authentication settings.

    If you do not have backup codes and cannot access your account, you may need to create a new account or follow the specific recovery procedures outlined by your organization for Exchange Server access.

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