How to restore account credentials from the iCloud backup

Matthew Jones 0 Reputation points
2026-06-04T09:21:45.01+00:00

How do I restore account credentials from the iCloud backup for the authenticator?

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-04T09:22:07.2033333+00:00

    To restore Microsoft Authenticator account credentials from an iCloud backup on iOS, follow these steps:

    1. Make sure the backup exists and is usable
      • On the old iOS device (where Authenticator was working):
        • Enable iCloud Drive. Learn how.
        • Enable iCloud Keychain. Learn how.
        • Enable iCloud Backup. Learn how.
        • Go to the Saved to iCloud list and confirm Authenticator is turned on. Learn how.
        • Ensure Authenticator is updated to version 6.8.33 or later and open the app at least once.
    2. Install Authenticator on the new iOS device
      • Download and install Microsoft Authenticator. Get the app.
    3. Restore from iCloud backup on the new device
      • Sign in to the same iCloud account used on the old device.
      • Open Microsoft Authenticator.
      • When prompted, sign in with the same personal Microsoft account that was used as the recovery account.
      • The app will detect the iCloud backup and restore the saved accounts.
      • If the backup does not appear:
        • Uninstall and reinstall the Authenticator app.
        • Open it again and sign in to the same recovery account; the backup should now appear.
    4. Re-sign in where required
      • For Microsoft personal accounts that use passwordless sign-in, work or school accounts, and some other accounts, only the account names are restored. After restore, sign in again to re-enable sign-in approvals.

    Notes about what is restored

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

    If iCloud cannot be accessed or restore still fails, accounts must be added again manually. Learn how.

    References:

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