Fix Microsoft Authenticator Backup Not Recovered on iPhone
Question details
The user is unable to retrieve their saved Microsoft Authenticator account backup on an iPhone after upgrading to iOS 15.
- Product
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Device & OS
- iOS 15 / iPhone
- Scenario
- Attempting to restore account credentials in the Microsoft Authenticator app from a cloud backup after an OS update.
- Observed behavior
- The app fails to locate the backup, displaying an error message stating it is not stored under the selected email address, even after the user tries multiple known aliases.
Ensure that you are signed in to the correct iCloud account on your iPhone, as Microsoft Authenticator backups for iOS devices are securely stored in your personal iCloud account.
Verify and Sign In With All Account Aliases
Use this solution if your Microsoft account has multiple email addresses, phone numbers, or Skype names associated with it, which may have been used during the initial backup.
Microsoft Authenticator backups are strictly tied to the specific primary alias that was active when the backup was created. If you have added or changed email addresses on your account, the app might fail to locate the recovery file under your new preferred alias.
Open a web browser, navigate to the Microsoft account login page, and sign in. Go to 'Your info' and select 'Edit account info' to view all email addresses, phone numbers, and Skype names associated with your account.
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your newly updated iPhone. Do not select 'Add account'. Instead, tap the 'Begin recovery' option at the bottom of the screen.
Sign in using the exact alias (email, phone, or Skype name) that was primarily used when you initially turned on the backup feature. Repeat this process for each alias if the first attempt fails.
Reset Your Forgotten Microsoft Account Password
If you discover the correct alias but have lost access to the password associated with it, you must perform a password reset before attempting to recover the Authenticator backup.
Seek Help from Microsoft Support Forums
If all aliases fail and you cannot locate the backup, escalating the issue to Microsoft's specialized community forums can connect you with support moderators.
Boost Your Productivity with WPS Office
Account recovery issues can unexpectedly slow down your workflow. Keep your productivity high with WPS Office, a powerful and free alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers full compatibility with your existing documents without the hassle of complex account lockouts.
- 1. Download the App: Click the download button or visit your device's app store to get the latest version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Follow the standard on-screen instructions to complete the installation on your computer or mobile device.
- 3. Open Your Files Instantly: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files to resume your work without complex login barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Authenticator backup missing after an iOS update?
An iOS update itself typically does not delete the backup. However, if the app was reinstalled or app data was reset during the upgrade, you must actively select 'Begin Recovery' and sign in with the exact Microsoft account alias originally used to back up your credentials to iCloud.
Can I restore Microsoft Authenticator directly from an iPhone iCloud backup?
Authenticator account credentials are encrypted and stored in iCloud, but they are not automatically restored when you restore your phone from an iCloud backup. You must open the Authenticator app and use its built-in 'Begin recovery' feature to decrypt and restore the accounts.
What happens if I permanently lose access to my Authenticator backup?
If the backup cannot be recovered, you will need to recover each of your two-factor authentication accounts manually. This typically involves using the alternative verification methods provided by each specific service, such as SMS verification, backup codes, or contacting the support team for those individual accounts.
