Restore prior MS Authenticator Back Up

To restore a prior Microsoft Authenticator backup after reinstalling the app, use the cloud backup that was created before uninstalling.

For iOS, if the backup does not automatically appear, follow these steps.

On the old device (where the backup was created):

1. Ensure iCloud Drive is enabled. Learn how.
2. Ensure iCloud Keychain is enabled. Learn how.
3. Ensure iCloud Backup is enabled. Learn how.
   1. Go to the Saved to iCloud list and search for Authenticator. Learn how.
   2. Turn on the toggle for Authenticator.
4. Make sure Microsoft Authenticator is updated to version 6.8.33 or later.
5. Open the Authenticator app at least once so the backup is written.

On the new (or reinstalled) device:

1. Uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Authenticator app.
2. Open the app and sign in with the same backup account; the prior backup should now appear and can be restored.

If the backup still cannot be restored because the backup account itself cannot be accessed, account credentials cannot be recovered by support. In that case, regain access to the Microsoft backup account using the Microsoft account sign-in helper, then try the restore again. If restoration fails for any other reason, the accounts can be added to Authenticator again manually.

References:

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