Can I restore Microsoft Authenticator accounts after reinstalling the app without a cloud backup?

Miguel Haro Torres 0 Reputation points
2026-08-18T11:10:33.5866667+00:00

I use Microsoft Authenticator on a Samsung Galaxy S22 running Android. I had to uninstall and reinstall the app. After reinstalling it, all my previously registered authentication entries disappeared.

The missing entries include a former work/school Microsoft account and a third-party account that used a rotating six-digit verification code. I have re-added some newer Microsoft accounts, but the old authentication entries have not returned.

I cannot see a “Restore from backup” or “Begin recovery” option, and I do not believe cloud backup was enabled before I uninstalled the app.

Could someone please clarify:

Is there any way to recover the previous Authenticator entries or TOTP credentials without an existing cloud backup?

Is there any Android or Microsoft account backup location I should check?

If recovery is impossible, must the administrator or service provider for each affected account reset MFA and allow me to register Authenticator again?

For a third-party service, can Microsoft provide any recovery assistance, or must the third-party provider reset its own MFA registration?

I am particularly trying to establish whether the original Authenticator credentials can be recovered after the app has already been uninstalled and reinstalled.

Please do not request private account information publicly. I can provide device information through an appropriate secure support channel if required.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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