Authenticator app

Tami Parks 0 Reputation points
2026-04-24T17:50:29.7133333+00:00

I had to reinstall my app. How can I retrieve my previous information/ codes in the old one?

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-24T17:50:42.6266667+00:00

    Previous Microsoft Authenticator information and codes can only be retrieved if backup was enabled and restored on the same platform type (iOS→iOS or Android→Android). If backup was not set up before reinstalling, the accounts and codes must be added again.

    To restore from backup:

    Important note: Accounts backed up on iOS cannot be restored on Android, and vice versa.

    iOS

    1. Ensure iCloud services are enabled on the device:
    2. Install Microsoft Authenticator. Get the app.
    3. Open Authenticator and sign in with the same personal Microsoft account that was used for backup.
    4. For each account that shows “Sign in to restore your account,” tap Sign in and complete password and additional verification.

    What is restored on iOS:

    • Microsoft personal accounts
      • If configured only with a one-time password (OTP) code: the OTP codes are restored.
      • If configured for passwordless sign-in: only the account name is restored; sign-in must be set up again.
    • Work or school accounts: only the account name is restored; sign-in must be completed again.
    • 3rd party accounts (Amazon, Facebook, Gmail, etc.): OTP codes are restored.

    If the backup does not appear on the new/reinstalled app, on iOS:

    • Confirm iCloud Drive, Keychain, and Backup are enabled.
    • Ensure Authenticator is listed and toggled on under Saved to iCloud.
    • Make sure Authenticator is version 6.8.33 or later and has been opened at least once on the old device before it was wiped or replaced.
    • On the new device, uninstall and reinstall Authenticator, then open it again to look for the backup.

    Android

    1. On the new/reinstalled Authenticator, select Restore from backup (or Begin recovery) on the first screen before signing in.
    2. Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account that was used as the recovery account.
    3. If “Sign in to restore your account” appears next to any account, tap Sign in and complete password and additional verification.

    If Restore from backup or Begin recovery is not visible, all existing accounts in the app must be removed or signed out first, then Authenticator reopened to trigger the restore option.

    What is restored on Android is the same as on iOS:

    • Microsoft personal accounts
      • OTP-only: OTP codes are restored.
      • Passwordless: only account name; passwordless must be reconfigured.
    • Work or school accounts: only account name; sign-in required again.
    • 3rd party accounts: OTP codes are restored.

    If restore is not possible

    If:

    • Backup was never enabled, or
    • The backup account (iCloud/Google or Microsoft recovery account) cannot be accessed,

    then the previous OTP secrets cannot be recovered and each account must be re-added manually using the provider’s recovery or security options.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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