I logged in with my authenticator and my keys are not showing up.

Victor Orsetty 0 Reputation points
2026-08-19T06:24:34.33+00:00

Last time I was logging in normally with my authenticator after formatting my device (I had already backed up my keys),Once I tried to log in normally and they didn't appear. I read that I had to click on another button before logging in and do it that way, but now they don't appear.What can I do to recover my keys on my authenticator?

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-19T06:24:48.9366667+00:00

    If the entries were backed up, recovery depends on restoring them before signing in normally.

    1. In Microsoft Authenticator, sign out of or remove all accounts first if Restore from backup or Begin recovery is not showing.
    2. Open the app and select Restore from backup or Begin recovery.
    3. Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account used for the backup.
    4. After restore, sign in again for each restored account as needed.

    Important details:

    • Backup and restore only works on the same device type. An iOS backup cannot be restored to Android, and vice versa.
    • For work or school accounts, only the account name is restored. The account must be opened and signed in again.
    • For Microsoft personal accounts with passwordless sign-in, only the account name is backed up, so sign-in is required again after restore.
    • For accounts that use one-time password codes, the codes are available once restored.

    If Restore from backup is unavailable, verify all of these:

    • Backup was enabled on the old phone.
    • The same recovery account is being used.
    • The restore is being done to the same device type.

    If Sign in to restore your account or Action required appears next to an account after restore:

    1. Open that account in Authenticator.
    2. Tap Sign in or the recovery option.
    3. Enter the password.
    4. Confirm the email address or phone number if prompted.

    If the backup account cannot be accessed, the saved credentials cannot be restored through support. In that case, the accounts must be added again.


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

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