Getting a new phone can be stressful when there are so many steps you must take to keep your settings. Microsoft Authenticator requires that it knows the device it is on belongs to YOU, and is not hijacked. As such, when you get a new phone, it needs to be told this phone is yours and doesn't belong to a bad actor. Here are the three steps to take to back up and restore the Authenticator app when getting a new phone.
QUICK INSTRUCTIONS
First, install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your new phone. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search
for it. Then tap “Install” and wait.
Log in to the app with your Microsoft account. If you don’t have one, create one.
Next, on your old device, open the app and go to its settings. Look for an option like "Backup and Restore" or "Transfer Accounts".
Then use the app to backup the accounts. Both devices must be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
On your new phone, look for a setting like “Restore Accounts” or “Import Accounts”. Follow the instructions on the app and select
the same method used to backup.
Now all your accounts are on your new phone! You won’t need to set up two-factor authentication codes again.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Backup Microsoft Authenticator on Current Phone
Backing up your Microsoft Authenticator app is vital to ensure a successful switch to a new device. Here’s how:
- Open the app on your current phone, head to the menu, and select the "Backup" option.
- Go through the steps to set up the backup, including biometric security like fingerprint or face recognition.
- After that, you’ll be prompted to pick a spot to store the file. Options include OneDrive and an Azure AD personal vault.
- Confirm the backup has been created.
- Double-check by opening the saved location and making sure the file is there.
Install Microsoft Authenticator on the New Phone
Visit your device’s app store. Search "Microsoft Authenticator" and tap the app.
- Tap 'Install' and wait for it to finish.
- Open the app and press the 'Get started' button.
- Choose either “"Scan QR code" or "Enter manually" to add accounts.
- Follow the prompts to scan or enter details.
Import the Backup to the New Phone
Need to transfer your Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone? Here’s the trick!
- Install the app on the new device.
- Open it and hit "Begin recovery" or "Use on new device".
- On the old phone, open the settings and select “"Backup" or "Export accounts".
- Create a backup file and transfer it to the new phone with email, cloud storage or direct transfer.
- Once you have the file, open Microsoft Authenticator and choose "Restore accounts" or "Import accounts".
- Select the backup file and you’re done!
Verify and Test the Transfer
- Open the app on your new phone and sign in with the same Microsoft account you used on your old phone.
- Check that all your accounts are displayed – like they were on your old phone.
- Test each account by signing in or authenticating.
- If everything is working ok – woo hoo! Your transfer was successful.
- Some accounts may require extra verification or setup when transferring. Follow all prompts to ensure smooth sailing.