MS Authenticator Backup

Question

I have recently moved across to a new mobile. I have setup the Authenticator app on my new device however no accounts have moved across. From my understanding this is due to not having Cloud Backup enabled on my old phone.

Is it possible to create a backup from your account to setup the new mobile from a restore point. I have no access to the old device due to an Android OS issue.

Answer 1

Hi James Barnett

Regarding your concern, unfortunately, my answer is NO, if Cloud Backup was not enabled on the old phone and you no longer have access to that device, it is not possible to create a new backup or restore the Authenticator data to the new phone.

Microsoft Authenticator cannot retroactively back up accounts once the original device is gone. The cryptographic secrets are stored locally and are only included in a cloud backup if it was enabled beforehand.

Given this, there are two scenarios you can check in this situation:

1/ If your account is work or school accounts

The only supported option is to have an administrator reset your MFA / Authenticator registration (you can ask them for help in case you are not an administrator). After reset, you’ll be prompted to re-enroll Microsoft Authenticator on the new phone from scratch.

Link reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/howto-mfa-userdevicesettings

2/ If your account is personal accounts

In this situation, you’ll need to:

• Use alternate verification methods during sign-in (SMS, email, recovery codes)
• Once signed in, remove the old Authenticator method and add the new phone

If no alternate method is available, account recovery must go through Microsoft account recovery flows, not Authenticator restore.Hope my answer will help you.

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