Authenticator: impossible to activate backup

Question

Android 13 user.

A few days ago I set up a backup of my Authenticator account on my Microsoft account. All worked fine.

Yesterday I deleted that backup through the Authenticator app.

After that I wanted to create a new backup on the same Microsoft account but I keep receiving a very non-specific error which advises me to send a log thought the app.

I've sent a log to the support through the app but no answer yet.

It's quite urgent because I'm changing my phone and I want to transfer my Authenticator account. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

This is not an unknown or uncommon problem. You can try these steps. This forces Microsoft to clear the stale backup metadata.

Go to: https://account.microsoft.com/security

Sign in (you can do this without Authenticator if you still have SMS/email recovery).

Under Security info, find Microsoft Authenticator.

Remove it completely.

Wait 5–10 minutes for backend propagation.

Step 2 — Re-add Authenticator

On your phone:

Open Authenticator

Add your Microsoft account again

Try enabling Cloud Backup again

This resolves the issue for most people.