Is there anyway to recover Microsoft Authenticator data?

Godwin Pacayra 0 Reputation points
2026-06-13T15:12:23.1833333+00:00

A few weeks ago my instagram account was hacked, ao I changed password and added 2FA by using the authenticator. Yesterday I found out that my Facebook account which was connected to my ig account was also hacked (saw a log in in vietnam) so I thought my phone waa compromised so I backed up all important files I have and did a factory reset. fast forward to logging in to my accounts, my ig is asking for a code from the authenticator, so I went to the authenticator and tries to back up my data only to find out there is no backup data and now I can't log in to my account.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-13T15:12:35.78+00:00

    Microsoft Authenticator data (the one-time password entries) can only be restored if a cloud/iCloud backup was created before the reset and if the same type of device is used (iOS→iOS or Android→Android). If no backup exists, the Authenticator entries themselves cannot be recovered.

    Key points from the documented behavior:

    1. Backup is not automatic
      • On iOS, backup must be turned on under Settings → Backup → iCloud backup using a personal Microsoft account and iCloud.
      • On Android, backup must be turned on under Settings → Backup → Cloud Backup using a personal Microsoft account.
      • If this was not enabled before the factory reset, there is no stored Authenticator backup to restore.
    2. What gets restored if a backup exists
      • For 3rd‑party accounts like Instagram or Facebook, Authenticator stores one-time password codes that refresh every 30 seconds. These codes are available again only if the backup is restored on a new device of the same platform.
      • If no backup appears when trying to restore, the codes are not recoverable from Microsoft’s side.
    3. If no backup is available
      • The only option is to recover access directly with the service that uses 2FA (Instagram/Facebook). This typically involves:
        • Using their account recovery / “I can’t access my authenticator” / “lost 2FA device” flow.
        • Providing any recovery codes they may have given when 2FA was set up (if saved elsewhere).
        • Using email, SMS, or identity verification options they offer.
      • Microsoft support and Authenticator cannot recreate or reveal the lost Instagram/Facebook 2FA secrets.
    4. For future protection
      • After regaining access to Instagram/Facebook, reconfigure 2FA and:
        • Enable Authenticator cloud backup (Android) or iCloud backup (iOS) as documented.
        • Save any recovery codes provided by Instagram/Facebook in a secure place.

    References:

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

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