Microsoft Authenticator Backup Lost - Need Recovery

To restore Microsoft Authenticator codes after changing phones, follow the steps that match how the backup was originally configured and what you still have access to.

1. Confirm device type and backup compatibility

• Authenticator backups can only be restored on the same device type.
  • iOS → iOS only
  • Android → Android only
• If the old phone was iOS and the new one is Android (or vice versa), the backup cannot be restored across platforms. In that case, each account must be added again manually.

2. If using iOS and iCloud backup On the new iPhone:
3. Make sure iCloud is correctly set up:
   • Enable iCloud Drive.
   • Enable iCloud Keychain.
   • Enable iCloud Backup.
4. Install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store.
5. Open Authenticator. The app should detect the iCloud backup and allow restore.
6. After restore, for each account:
   • Microsoft personal accounts: if they were passwordless, only the account name is restored; sign in again to re-activate.
   • Work or school accounts: only the account name is restored; sign in again.
   • Third‑party accounts (Amazon, Facebook, Gmail, etc.): one‑time password codes should work immediately once restored.

If the backup does not appear on iOS, try:

• On the old device (if still available):
  • Ensure iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, and iCloud Backup are enabled.
  • In Saved to iCloud, verify Authenticator is toggled on.
  • Ensure Authenticator is version 6.8.33 or later and open it at least once.
• On the new device:
  • Uninstall and reinstall Authenticator; then open it again so it can read the backup.

3. If using Android and cloud backup On the new Android device:
4. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
5. Before signing in to any account in the app, select Restore from backup or Begin recovery.
6. Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account that was used to configure backup on the old phone.
7. The saved account credentials will be recovered to the new device.

If Restore from backup or Begin recovery is not visible:

• Remove or sign out of all accounts in Authenticator, then reopen the app and look for the restore option again.

4. What will and will not be restored

• Microsoft personal accounts
  • If configured only with time‑based one‑time password (TOTP) codes: codes are restored and usable immediately.
  • If configured for passwordless sign‑in: only the account name is restored; sign in again to re‑enable passwordless.
• Work or school accounts
  • Only the account name is restored; sign in again to re‑activate MFA.
• Third‑party accounts (Amazon, Facebook, Gmail, etc.)
  • TOTP codes are restored and usable immediately.

5. If the Authenticator backup itself is lost or inaccessible

• If the backup cannot be accessed (for example, no access to the iCloud or Microsoft account that holds the backup), support cannot restore Authenticator data.
• Next steps then depend on each account:
  • For Microsoft accounts where the app was the only method, use the account recovery and security info replacement flows to regain access, then re‑add Authenticator.
  • For work or school accounts, contact the organization’s help desk or admin and ask them to clear/reset MFA so new methods can be registered.
  • For third‑party services, use their own recovery processes (backup codes, email/SMS recovery, or support) and then add them back into Authenticator.

If none of the above restore paths work, each account must be added again manually using its original QR code or secret key from the respective service.

References:

• Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
• Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• How Do I Regain Access to My Account After Losing Access to Microsoft Authenticator? (Urgent Request). - Microsoft Q&A
• Cannot authenticate with E-mail when logging into Microsoft Authenticator(iOS). - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to reset my mfa methods - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A