how can i restore my e mail accounts in Microsoft Authenticator?

To restore email (and other) accounts in Microsoft Authenticator, use the built‑in backup/restore feature and then re‑sign in where required.

1. Confirm backup/restore limitations
   • Accounts can only be backed up and restored on the same device type (iOS → iOS, Android → Android). Accounts backed up on iOS cannot be restored on Android, and vice versa.
2. Restore on iOS If the previous Authenticator was on an iPhone/iPad and the new device is also iOS:
   1. Make sure iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, and iCloud Backup are enabled on the iOS device.
   2. Install the Microsoft Authenticator app from the store.
   3. Open Authenticator.
   4. Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account that was used for the backup.
   5. The app will restore the saved account credentials from iCloud.
   6. For each restored account, sign in again if prompted to complete the restore.
3. Restore on Android If the previous Authenticator was on Android and the new device is also Android:
   1. Open Authenticator on the new device.
   2. Before signing in to any account in the app, select Restore from backup (or Begin recovery).
   3. Sign in to the recovery account (the personal Microsoft account used when backup was configured).
   4. The accounts will be recovered to the new device.
   5. If you see Sign in to restore your account or Action required next to an account, tap it and complete sign‑in (enter password and confirm email/phone) so that verification codes work again.
4. If “Restore from backup” does not appear (Android)
   • Remove or sign out of all accounts in Authenticator, then reopen the app. The Restore from backup or Begin recovery option should appear. Use it, then sign in with the backup Microsoft account.
5. What is actually restored
   • Microsoft personal accounts
     • If configured only as a 30‑second one‑time password (TOTP): the codes are restored and usable immediately.
     • If configured for passwordless sign‑in: only the account name is restored; sign‑in must be completed again to re‑enable passwordless.
   • Work or school accounts: only the account name is restored; sign‑in is required again.
   • 3rd‑party accounts (e.g., Gmail, Amazon, Facebook): TOTP codes are restored and usable.
6. If restore still fails
   • If the backup account (Microsoft account or iCloud account) cannot be accessed, support cannot restore Authenticator data. Use the Microsoft account sign‑in helper to regain access to the backup account, then try restore again.
   • If restore is not possible for any other reason, re‑add each account manually to Authenticator following the provider’s MFA setup steps.

References:

• Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
• Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator