MS Authenticatior synchronization on Apple devices

Question

How do I synchronize my Microsoft Authenticatior on my iPhone and iPad?

Answer 1

Microsoft Authenticator does not support automatic sync of all accounts between iPhone and iPad. Each device must be set up separately, and some features are device-specific.

To use Microsoft Authenticator on both iPhone and iPad:

1. Install Microsoft Authenticator on each device
   • On iPhone: download from the Apple App Store. Get the app
   • On iPad: download from the Apple App Store using the same link.
2. Add accounts on each device
   • Open Microsoft Authenticator on iPhone, then on iPad.
   • For each work/school or personal account, follow the normal add flow (usually by scanning a QR code from the service you are protecting, such as Microsoft 365 or your organization’s security page).
   • For Microsoft 365 work/school accounts, you typically:
     1. Sign in to the relevant portal (for example, Microsoft 365 or My Security info) in a browser.
     2. Choose to set up the mobile app / Authenticator.
     3. Scan the QR code with the Authenticator app on the iPad as well as (or instead of) the iPhone.
3. Use passkeys and cross‑device features (optional)
   • If using passkeys in Microsoft Authenticator, you can register a passkey on one device and use cross‑device sign‑in from another device (for example, sign in on a Windows PC using a passkey stored in Authenticator on iPhone). This does not automatically clone all Authenticator accounts to the iPad, but it lets both devices participate in sign‑in flows.
   • To set up a passkey in Authenticator on iOS via another device:
     1. On a laptop or other device, go to My Security info.
     2. Select + Add sign-in method → Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator (preview) → Add and follow the prompts.
     3. Choose iOS, enable Authenticator as a passkey provider in Settings → Passwords → Password Options on the iPhone/iPad.
     4. Use the system camera app to scan the QR code shown in the browser and complete the passkey setup.
4. Keep both devices updated
   • Ensure both iPhone and iPad run the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator. Versions older than one year are not supported.
   • Turn on app updates and verify device date/time and connectivity for reliable operation.

If QR codes do not work or accounts fail to add on the second device, update Authenticator to the latest version and follow the troubleshooting tips (check network, notifications, battery optimization, VPN, and device time settings).

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References:

• Download Microsoft Authenticator
• Use Microsoft Authenticator with Microsoft 365
• Set up a passkey in Microsoft Authenticator
• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator