Cant transfer my account to my new phone

Question

I am trying to set up access to this email account on a new device, but its still attached to my old device on the authenticator app

Answer 1

Hello,

If your account is still looking for the Authenticator app on your old device, you can bypass this by using alternative verification methods or resetting your authentication status.

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

Method 1: Use an Alternative Verification Method

Go to the Microsoft sign-in page on your new device and enter your email.

When prompted for the Authenticator code, click on "Sign in another way" or "I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now".

Choose an alternative option, such as receiving a code via SMS/text message, an alternative email, or using your Backup Graphics/Security Key.Once signed in, go to your security settings to set up the Authenticator app on your new phone.

Method 2: Cloud Backup Restore (If previously enabled)

If you turned on cloud backup on your old phone, you can recover your credentials:

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your new phone.

Do not log in right away. instead, click "Begin recovery" or "Restore from backup" on the bottom of the initial screen

.Sign in using the personal Microsoft account associated with your backup to download your credentials.

Method 3: Contact Your Organization's IT Administrator (For Work or School Accounts)

If this is a work or school account, your organization enforces strict security policies

:Self-recovery might be disabled.

You must contact your company's IT Helpdesk or Microsoft 365 Administrator.

Ask them to "Require re-register multi-factor authentication" or clear your old device from your user profile in the Azure Portal.