Set up the Microsoft Authenticator Recovery tool on your new deviceĪfter backing up your accounts, install Microsoft Authenticator on your new device. iPhone users also need to have an iCloud account.Īre you concerned about the data that’s being backed up? The backup only includes necessary information such as the account, username, verification code, and metadata like when the backup was created. Your accounts and other data will be backed up to the Microsoft account that’s connected to your Microsoft Authenticator app. Under the ‘Backup’ section, turn on “Cloud Backup” if you’re using an Android device, or “iCloud Backup” if you have an iPhone. Open Microsoft Authenticator and select the three vertical dots at the top-right of the app. Transfer Microsoft Authenticator To A New Phone Enable the backup option on your current/old smartphoneīefore recovering your accounts on a new device, you need to turn on the backup option on your current or old smartphone. Without these 2FA codes, you’re likely to end up locked out of your online accounts. Following this process will make sure you can still access your two-factor codes and sign in to your accounts on your new device.

Moving data over when you upgrade or get a new smartphone should take top priority. Two-factor authentication apps like Microsoft Authenticator are essential security tools. Why should you move Microsoft Authenticator to your new phone? Changing your authenticator account or device without a copy of the backup codes can be a big headache if you experience any issues trying to restore or recover your accounts. But before you follow the steps below, make sure you have a copy of the available backup codes for relevant accounts. This is why it’s extremely important to always remember your 2FA code.įor the convenience of its users, Microsoft Authenticator features a backup and recovery option. It adds an important layer of security by asking users to enter a randomly generated six-digit code after logging in.īackup codes may be provided by some accounts and apps in case a user’s phone gets damaged or lost. But what happens when you have to switch phones? This guide shows you the easiest way to transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone.ĢFA is designed to make it very hard to access any account unless you have the actual 2FA code. Using an authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticator for two-factor authentication (2FA) is significantly more secure than using SMS messages.

Microsoft authenticator switch phone