How to transfer to a new iPhone with backups in the iCloud?

Question

How to transfer to a new iPhone with backups in the iCloud?

Answer 1

To transfer to a new iPhone using iCloud backup and keep Microsoft Authenticator and work access working, follow these steps in order.

1. On the old iPhone (before switching)
2. Set up Microsoft Authenticator backup and recovery:
   • Open Microsoft Authenticator.
   • Go to Settings and turn on iCloud backup so Authenticator credentials are backed up to iCloud and a Recovery Account is created.
   • Optionally, under Autofill, turn on Sync account if password sync is needed.
3. Turn on automatic app downloads:
   • Go to Settings > App Store.
   • Under Automatic Downloads, turn on Apps so apps (including Authenticator) auto‑install on the new iPhone.
4. Ensure iCloud backup is current:
   • Go to Settings > tap Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
   • Turn on iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.
   • In iCloud settings, confirm the apps to be included in the backup are enabled as needed.

If using app-based MFA, do not erase the old iPhone or remove Authenticator until the new iPhone is fully set up and working.

2. On the new iPhone
3. Power on and run Setup Assistant:
   • Turn on the new iPhone and select language.
   • When Quick Start appears, place the old iPhone next to the new one.
   • Choose how to transfer data:
     • Transfer from iCloud: sign in to iCloud and restore from the iCloud backup. Apps and data download in the background.
     • Or Transfer from the old phone: wait for device‑to‑device transfer to complete on both devices.
4. After setup completes and the Home screen appears, wait while apps finish installing.
5. Confirm Microsoft Authenticator is installed:
   • If it did not restore automatically, install it from the App Store.
6. Enroll and sign in to work apps (if using for work):
   • Open a work productivity app such as Microsoft Teams.
   • Sign in with the work account.
   • Complete MFA using Authenticator on the old phone (or other configured method) the first time.
   • When Conditional Access prompts, complete device enrollment as required by the organization.
7. If Authenticator backup does not appear on the new iPhone

On the old iPhone:

1. Make sure:
   • iCloud Drive is enabled.
   • iCloud Keychain is enabled.
   • iCloud Backup is enabled.
   • In the Saved to iCloud list, the toggle for Authenticator is turned on.
   • Authenticator is updated to version 6.8.33 or later.
   • Authenticator has been opened at least once after enabling backup.

On the new iPhone:

1. Uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Open it again; the iCloud backup should now be available to restore.

Note: Authenticator backups from iOS can only be restored to another iOS device, not to Android.

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References:

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