Microsoft Authenticator

Miisa 0 Reputation points
2026-10-12T13:22:13.8966667+00:00

I had to delete Microsoft Authenticator from my phone because the storage was full. Now I redownloaded it and it has logged me out from my accounts. How can I log in again? It gives me the numbers I usually give in Microsoft Authenticator itself.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-12T13:22:31.3633333+00:00

    If the app was deleted and reinstalled, the next step depends on whether a backup existed and what type of account was in Authenticator.

    1. If using Android, open Authenticator and select Restore from backup or Begin recovery before signing in.
      • Sign in with the personal Microsoft account that was used for the backup.
      • If Restore from backup does not appear, remove or sign out of all accounts in the app, then try recovery again.
    2. If using iPhone/iPad, restore works only if iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, and iCloud Backup were enabled on the old device backup.
      • After reinstalling Authenticator, sign in to each account to complete the restore.
      • If Authenticator shows Sign in to restore your account, tap Sign in next to each account, enter the password, and confirm the email address or phone number.
    3. For work or school accounts, only the account name is restored. The account must be signed in again after restore.
      • If Action required appears, open the account, tap the recovery tile, then sign in and complete the extra verification.
    4. If the sign-in is stuck asking for number matching from Authenticator itself, and the old app registration is no longer available, a work or school account typically needs the IT admin to reset MFA or allow re-registration.
      • This is the usual fix when the account was removed and the only available sign-in method is Authenticator.
    5. If the issue is with a personal Microsoft account, try these checks:
      • Make sure Authenticator is unlocked.
      • Make sure notifications are enabled.
      • Update to the latest version of Authenticator.
      • Check network connectivity.
      • Verify the device date and time are correct.
    6. If restore is not possible:
      • On Android, if the backup account cannot be accessed, support cannot restore it; the accounts must be added again.
      • On iOS, if restore fails for reasons other than iCloud access, the accounts can be added again.
    7. If still blocked:
      • For personal accounts, use Send feedback in the app and contact Support.
      • For work or school accounts, use Send feedback and contact the IT admin.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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