Cannot restore data authenticator from old device to new device

Question

I cannot restore data authenticator from old device to new device, although I've login account microsoft and backup data on old device

Answer 1

Follow these steps depending on device type and what is (and is not) restoring.

1. Confirm what can actually be restored

• Microsoft personal accounts using only one-time password (OTP) codes: codes are restored.
• Microsoft personal accounts with passwordless sign-in: only the account name is restored; sign-in must be done again after restore.
• Work or school accounts: only the account name is restored; sign-in is required again.
• 3rd party accounts (Amazon, Facebook, Gmail, etc.): OTP codes are restored.

2. If seeing “Sign in to restore your account” in Authenticator

• On the Accounts screen, tap Sign in next to each affected account.
• Enter the account password, then confirm email address or phone number for additional verification.

3. If using Android and restore is not working

• Important: Before signing into any account in Authenticator, choose Restore from backup or Begin recovery.
• If already signed in, sign out of all accounts in Authenticator first (see “how to sign out from Authenticator” in the linked article), then:
  1. Open Authenticator on the new device.
  2. Select Restore from backup.
  3. Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account that was used for backup on the old device.

4. If “Restore from backup” / “Begin recovery” does not appear (Android)

• Remove or sign out of all accounts in Authenticator on the new device.
• Reopen Authenticator; Restore from backup or Begin recovery should then appear so the backup can be restored.

5. If using iOS and backup is not appearing on the new device On the old device (must have been done before switching):
6. Turn on iCloud Drive.
7. Turn on iCloud Keychain.
8. Turn on iCloud Backup.
9. In Saved to iCloud, ensure Authenticator is enabled.
10. Ensure Authenticator is version 6.8.33 or later and open the app at least once.

On the new device:

1. Uninstall the Authenticator app.
2. Reinstall Authenticator from the App Store.
3. Open Authenticator; the backup should now appear for restore.
4. After restore, complete sign-in where required

• For Microsoft personal accounts with passwordless sign-in and all work/school accounts, only the account names are restored. Each must be signed in again in Authenticator before they can be used.

If these steps are followed and the backup still does not appear, verify that the same Microsoft account (for Android cloud backup) or the same Apple ID with iCloud settings (for iOS backup) is used on the new device as on the old device.

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References:

• Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator
• Migrate to a new iPhone for work
• Backup and restore scenarios for iOS/iPadOS