Microsoft authenticator app did not restored backups

Question

Microsoft authenticator app did not restored backups

Mayank Kardak 5

Hello Microsoft Support,

I have lost access to my Microsoft Authenticator app after a device change/reset. Unfortunately, I did not have the cloud backup feature enabled before this happened. As a result, I am currently locked out of my account and cannot generate the required two-factor authentication code.

Since I do not have a backup to restore from, could you please guide me on how to verify my identity and recover access to my account?

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Answer 1

Bence Weiszmann 405

Dear @Mayank Kardak

Unfortunately, if cloud backup was not enabled before the device was reset or the account was removed, the authenticator account itself cannot be recovered.

To regain access, you'll need to use one of the available account recovery methods, such as an alternative MFA method (if configured), recovery codes, or by contacting your organization's IT administrator to reset your MFA registration. If this is a personal Microsoft account, you can follow the account recovery process and sign-in assistance provided by Microsoft.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/accounts-billing/manage/help-with-the-microsoft-account-recovery-form?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Could you let us know whether this is a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account?

Marvin D 0 Reputation points

2026-08-03T21:08:47.2866667+00:00

Hello. I have the same exact problem for a work account. Except I am the only employee so technically also the IT administrator. My iCloud backup was deleted and I am not offered an alternative MFA method to sign in. Just log in on the Authenticator app or find a code on the Authenticator app. Both of which are not possible after the authentication app has been reset. What can I do?
Bence Weiszmann 405 Reputation points

2026-08-03T21:21:39.4966667+00:00

Dear @Marvin D

Based on the details you have shared, it appears you are locked out of your Microsoft 365 work account because Microsoft Authenticator was reset and there is no alternative MFA method available.

Since you are the only employee and the only Global Administrator for your tenant, there is no other administrator who can re-register your MFA methods or update your authentication settings.

Unfortunately, forum members cannot reset MFA, recover administrator accounts, or make changes to your tenant. In this situation, you will need to contact Microsoft Support and ask them to open a Data Protection case. The Data Protection team can verify your identity and assist with resetting the MFA registration for your Global Administrator account.

Please refer to the following article to find the appropriate Microsoft Support phone number for your region:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/support/

When contacting support, explain that you are the only Global Administrator, you lost access to Microsoft Authenticator after your device was reset, there is no alternative MFA method configured, and you need a Data Protection case for an MFA reset.
Mayank Kardak 5 Reputation points

2026-08-04T17:17:50.3266667+00:00

The authenticator app had my Instagram,job board ,GitHub ,etc linked to it and also the cloud backup was one ,it microsoft can not help me recover my lost data ,so can they delete the linked account so the reset account don't ask for authentication code of Microsoft authenticator app