Transfer authenticator app

Because the old phone is gone and the Microsoft Authenticator account on it cannot be accessed or backed up, the existing Rockstar Games two-step verification entry in Authenticator cannot be transferred to the new iPhone.

Key points from the available guidance:

1. Authenticator entries cannot be moved between Android and iOS via backup/restore.
   • “You can't restore an Authenticator app backup from Android to iOS and vice-versa.”
2. When the old device with app-based MFA is unavailable, sign-in must use an alternative verification method (such as SMS/call) that was configured on the account.
   • “If you use SMS or call-based MFA, as long as the number is active and can receive the SMS/call for verification on any type of device, you can use it for two-step verification while setting up your new device.”
3. If no alternative method works and the old device cannot be used, only the service that owns the account (here, Rockstar Games) can remove or reset the 2-step verification requirement for that account. Microsoft cannot remove or bypass a third‑party site’s 2FA that is using Microsoft Authenticator as a code generator.

Therefore, the only supported options are:

1. Use any alternative 2-step verification method that was configured on the Rockstar Games account (SMS, email, backup codes, etc.) to sign in and then:
   • Turn off 2-step verification on the Rockstar account, or
   • Reconfigure 2-step verification and add the new iPhone’s Authenticator app.
2. If no alternative method works and the old phone is unavailable, contact Rockstar Games support and request that they remove or reset 2-step verification on the Rockstar account. After they reset it, set up 2-step verification again and scan the new QR code into Microsoft Authenticator on the iPhone.

Microsoft documentation does not provide a way to transfer or recover a third‑party account’s Authenticator registration when the original device is lost and no backup/alternative method is available.

References:

• Migrate to a new iPhone for work
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs