Can I recover an older Microsoft Authenticator iCloud backup containing a third-party TOTP account?

kewei 0 Reputation points
2026-09-04T07:17:21.6833333+00:00

I need help determining whether an older Microsoft Authenticator backup can still be recovered on my iPhone.

I previously used Microsoft Authenticator on this same iPhone to store a third-party OpenAI/ChatGPT TOTP account. The Authenticator app was later deleted.

After reinstalling Microsoft Authenticator, the previous OpenAI/ChatGPT TOTP entry is missing.

Important details:

  • I am using the same iPhone as before.
  • I am using the same Apple ID/iCloud account.
  • In iPhone Settings → iCloud → Saved to iCloud, Authenticator is enabled.
  • I have now signed in to Microsoft Authenticator with my Microsoft account.
  • Authenticator currently says “Your accounts are now backed up to iCloud.”
  • However, the old third-party OpenAI/ChatGPT TOTP entry has not been restored.
  • I no longer have the original QR code or TOTP secret.

My questions are:

1. Is there any way to determine whether an older Authenticator iCloud backup from before I deleted the app still exists?

2. Can Microsoft Authenticator restore an older version of an iCloud backup rather than the current backup?

3. Since I signed into Authenticator after reinstalling it and it now says my accounts are backed up to iCloud, could the new backup have overwritten the older backup?

4. Is there any supported recovery procedure I should try before making any further changes to Authenticator or iCloud?

I understand that Microsoft cannot reset the MFA for the third-party OpenAI account. I am specifically asking whether the old Microsoft Authenticator backup containing the third-party TOTP credential can still be recovered.

I do not want to uninstall Authenticator or change the iCloud settings again until I know whether doing so could affect any remaining backup.

Thank you.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-04T07:17:55.9366667+00:00

    Based on the supported guidance, there is no documented way in Microsoft Authenticator to inspect whether an older iCloud backup version still exists, and there is no supported way to choose or restore an older version of an Authenticator iCloud backup.

    Supported facts for this scenario:

    1. Third-party TOTP accounts are restorable only if they were included in the Authenticator backup. For third-party accounts such as Amazon, Facebook, or Gmail, Microsoft states that the one-time password codes are available once restored.
    2. Restore works only on the same device type. An iOS backup can only be restored to iOS. Using the same iPhone device type satisfies that requirement.
    3. If restore is available, it must be started from the restore flow before normal sign-in. If Restore from backup or Begin recovery is not shown, all accounts must be removed or signed out to restore account credentials. Microsoft also states to select Restore from backup or Begin recovery before signing in; if already signed in, sign out before proceeding with account recovery.
    4. A new backup can replace the previous backup. Microsoft guidance states that if the backup was deleted or overwritten, the deleted 2FA codes usually cannot be recovered. A similar accepted answer also states that if the wrong recovery account was used or the backup was overwritten, recovery is no longer possible.
    5. If restore does not work, the supported fallback is to add the accounts again. If unable to restore for any other reason, the documented next step is to add the accounts again.

    For the specific questions:

    1. Is there any way to determine whether an older Authenticator iCloud backup still exists? No supported Microsoft Authenticator procedure in the provided guidance exposes backup history or lets the backup contents/version be inspected.

    2. Can Authenticator restore an older version of an iCloud backup rather than the current backup? No supported procedure is documented for restoring an older version of an Authenticator iCloud backup.

    3. Could the new backup have overwritten the older backup? Yes. The provided guidance indicates backups can be overwritten, and if the prior backup was overwritten, the old codes usually cannot be recovered.

    4. Is there any supported recovery procedure to try before further changes? Yes. The supported recovery path is:

    • In Authenticator, sign out of all accounts or remove all accounts if Restore from backup is not visible.
    • Reopen Authenticator.
    • Choose Restore from backup or Begin recovery before signing in normally.
    • Sign in with the same personal Microsoft recovery account used during backup.
    • If the backup is found, restore it.

    For iOS restore troubleshooting, Microsoft also says on the old device these must have been enabled before the switch or reinstall scenario: iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, iCloud Backup, and the Authenticator toggle under Saved to iCloud. On the new device, uninstalling and reinstalling the app is listed as a troubleshooting step when the backup does not appear. Since avoiding further changes is important here, the least invasive supported step is to first sign out of all accounts in Authenticator so the Restore from backup flow becomes available, then attempt restore from that flow.

    If no backup appears after using the restore flow, there is no supported Microsoft procedure in the provided guidance to recover an earlier iCloud backup version or recover a deleted/overwritten third-party TOTP secret.

    References:

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

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