Authenticator old backup restore

Question

I installed Microsoft Authenticator on a new device because my old one became unusable.

When I signed in, I missed the restore option at the bottom—it was barely readable—and ended up just logging in normally with my Microsoft account.

Is it still possible now to restore the old codes from my previous device?

Answer 1

Yes, but only if the previous backup still exists.

What to do now:

1. In Microsoft Authenticator, sign out of or remove all accounts.
2. Reopen the app and look for Restore from backup or Begin recovery.
3. Select that option before signing in normally.
4. Sign in with the same recovery account that was used for the original backup.
5. Complete sign-in again for restored accounts as needed.

Important details:

• If Restore from backup is not visible, all accounts must be removed or signed out first.
• Backup and restore only works on the same device type. An iOS backup cannot be restored to Android, and an Android backup cannot be restored to iOS.
• For work or school accounts, only the account name is restored. The account must be opened and signed in again to finish setup.
• For Microsoft personal accounts that use passwordless sign-in, only the account name is restored and sign-in is required again.
• For accounts that use 30-second one-time password codes, the code entries are restored.

If the old backup was overwritten, deleted, or the recovery account cannot be accessed, the old codes cannot be restored. In that case, the accounts must be added again.

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• Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
• Transfer Microsoft Authenticator account entries to a new phone
• Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator