Microsoft Authenticator did not transfer to new phone

On iOS, Authenticator backup and restore only works if specific iCloud settings and app versions are in place on the old phone before moving to the new one. Since the “add from backup” option did not appear, use the following checks and steps.

1. Confirm backup was actually created on the old iPhone On the old device (if still available):
   1. Enable iCloud Drive. Learn how.
   2. Enable iCloud Keychain. Learn how.
   3. Enable iCloud Backup. Learn how.
   4. Go to the Saved to iCloud list and search for Authenticator. Learn how, then make sure the toggle for Authenticator is turned on.
   5. Make sure Authenticator on the old phone is version 6.8.33 or later.
   6. Open the Authenticator app at least once after enabling the above, so it can write the backup to iCloud.
   If any of these were missing before switching phones, a usable backup may not exist, and the restore option will not appear on the new device.
2. Fix missing backup on the new iPhone On the new iPhone:
   1. Make sure you are signed into the same Apple ID used on the old phone and that iCloud Drive/Keychain/Backup are enabled there as well.
   2. Uninstall the Microsoft Authenticator app.
   3. Reinstall Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store.
   4. Open Authenticator again and check if the backup/restore prompt now appears.
3. Understand what restores vs. what must be re‑added Even when backup works:
   • Microsoft personal accounts using only one-time password (OTP) codes restore with working codes.
   • Microsoft personal accounts with passwordless sign-in: only the account name is restored; sign-in must be completed again.
   • Work or school accounts: only the account name is restored; sign-in must be completed again.
   • 3rd‑party OTP accounts (Amazon, Facebook, Gmail, etc.): OTP codes restore and should work once backup is restored.
4. If restore still does not appear
   • If the old phone is still usable, sign in to each account using existing MFA (old phone, SMS, email, etc.) and re-register Authenticator on the new phone.
   • For work or school accounts where access is lost, contact the organization’s IT/admin and ask them to reset or require re‑registering MFA so Authenticator can be set up again on the new device.

If none of the iCloud prerequisites were in place on the old phone before switching, accounts must be reconfigured manually using each provider’s recovery/MFA reset process.

References:

• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator
• Migrate to a new iPhone for work