Moving to a new phone? Transferring your Microsoft Authenticator accounts properly is essential to maintain access to your two-factor authentication (2FA) protected accounts. This guide covers both cloud backup restoration and manual transfer methods.
Before You Begin
Important: Keep your old phone accessible during the entire transfer process. You may need it to verify your identity or access accounts.
Choose your transfer method:
| Scenario | Method |
|---|---|
| Android to Android | Cloud Backup & Restore |
| iPhone to iPhone | Cloud Backup & Restore |
| Android to iPhone | Manual Transfer |
| iPhone to Android | Manual Transfer |
| No backup available | Manual Transfer |
Method 1: Cloud Backup & Restore (Same OS Only)
Use this method when moving between the same operating system (Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone).
Step 1: Back Up Your Old Phone
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Open Microsoft Authenticator on your old phone
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Tap the menu icon:
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Android: Three dots (⋮) in the top right
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iOS: Three lines (☰) in the top left
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Go to Settings
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Enable backup:
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Android: Toggle on Cloud Backup
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iOS: Toggle on iCloud Backup
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Wait for confirmation: "Last backup: Just now"
Step 2: Restore on Your New Phone
- Install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play
- Open the app - Do NOT sign in yet
- Tap "Begin Recovery" (at the bottom of the screen)
- Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account used for backup
- Verify your identity when prompted
- Your accounts will be restored
Note: Some accounts may require you to re-enter your password to reactivate them on the new device.
Method 2: Manual Transfer (Cross-Platform)
Use this method when moving between different operating systems or if cloud backup isn't available.
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Keep your old phone active - Don't delete the app yet
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Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone
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For each account, do the following:
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Log into the service on a computer (Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.)
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Navigate to Account Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication
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Select Add a new app or Change authenticator app
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A QR code will appear on screen
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On your NEW phone:
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Open Microsoft Authenticator
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Tap the + icon
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Select Other account (or the appropriate type)
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Scan the QR code from your computer screen
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Enter the 6-digit code to verify
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Repeat for all accounts
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Once all accounts are transferred, you can remove the app from your old phone
Transferring Work or School Accounts
Work and school accounts (Microsoft Entra ID) require additional steps:
- Contact your IT administrator for specific instructions
- They may need to reset your MFA registration
- After reset, re-register Authenticator through your organization's portal
- Some organizations use Conditional Access policies that require device re-enrollment
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Accounts not appearing after restore
- Ensure you're using the same Microsoft account that created the backup
- Check if cloud backup was enabled before you wiped the old phone
- Personal accounts and some work accounts restore; passwordless accounts may need re-registration
Can't find "Begin Recovery" option
- Make sure you haven't signed in to the app yet
- Uninstall and reinstall the app if needed
- The option appears on fresh installations only
Account shows but doesn't generate codes
- Re-enter your password for that account in Authenticator
- Some accounts require reactivation after transfer
Best Practices for Future Transfers
- Always enable cloud backup in Authenticator settings
- Save backup codes provided by services when enabling 2FA
- Keep your Microsoft account secure - it holds your backup
- Test the backup periodically by checking the "Last backup" date