If you’re reading this and you already lost access to your authenticator app(old phone) before setting up Cloud backup, then it’s unfortunate, you’ll need to manually recover your accounts and set-up 2-factor authentication again. This is something you need to do the moment you start using Microsoft Authenticator because it’s from a back-up that you’ll be able to recover all your accounts. Step 1: Set-up Cloud Back-up for Microsoft Authenticator There are three main parts of the process that are Enabling Cloud backup, removing existing Microsoft Authenticator sessions, and then Account recovery.

There is always a bit of house cleaning required before you can be able to recover your authentication codes from Microsoft Authenticator. This is not only a hassle for Microsoft authenticator, but also for many other authenticator apps including Google Authenticator which makes it nearly impossible to recover the codes. One of which is getting locked out of your accounts in case you lose access to authenticator codes as a result of losing or mere changing from one phone to another.

Complete the account recovery process and tap OK.Multi-factor authentication with authenticator apps is one of the best ways to secure your accounts online, however, it has its drawbacks.

Or, authenticate the recovery account via an alternative MFA (multi-factor authentication) method such as email, SMS, or password. Enter the verification code you receive on your old mobile device.Enter the recovery account email address linked to your Microsoft Authenticator backup.Tap Begin Recovery (scroll down if you don’t see the option).Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, agree to its license terms, and skip any prompts to sign in.Download Microsoft Authenticator from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.That is not an issue on Android-you can use a different Google Account if you want. If you’re moving to a new iPhone, make sure to sign into the device with the same Apple ID as your old iPhone. Do not remove any accounts or the app from the old phone yet. You’re ready to transfer your Microsoft Authenticator data to your new phone. Transfer Microsoft Authenticator to the New Phone Note: If you have trouble backing up Microsoft Authenticator on an iPhone, open the Settings app for iOS, tap Apple ID > iCloud, and ensure that the switch next to Authenticator is active.

Microsoft authenticator switch phone