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How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Accounts Not Transferring to New iPhone
Question details
The user recently upgraded to a new iPhone and discovered that their saved Microsoft Authenticator accounts did not transfer over, leaving them unable to generate MFA codes.
- Product
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Device & OS
- iPhone (iOS)
- Scenario
- Migrating apps and data to a newly purchased iPhone
- Observed behavior
- Previously saved multi-factor authentication accounts are completely missing from the Microsoft Authenticator app on the new device.
Do not wipe or factory reset your old iPhone yet, as you may need it to approve initial sign-ins or provide alternative verification codes while setting up the new device.
Use the Backup Recovery Option
If you previously had iCloud backup enabled for Microsoft Authenticator on your old iPhone, you can recover your personal accounts during the initial app setup.
This method requires that iCloud Backup was turned on in the Authenticator app settings on your old device, and that you know the credentials for the personal Microsoft account used as the recovery account.
Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store on your new iPhone.
Open the Authenticator app. Do not add an account or sign in yet. Instead, tap the 'Begin Recovery' link at the bottom of the screen.
Sign in using the same personal Microsoft account that you used to back up the accounts on your old iPhone. Once authenticated, your previously backed-up accounts will populate in the app.
Reset Authentication for Work or School Accounts
Work and school accounts have higher security protocols and often cannot be restored solely from a cloud backup; they must be re-registered.
Need a seamless Office experience? Try WPS Office
While troubleshooting Microsoft Authenticator issues can be a hassle, choosing the right productivity suite shouldn't be. WPS Office offers a completely free, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, keeping your workflow uninterrupted across all devices.
- 1. Download: Visit the official WPS website and download the installation file for your specific operating system.
- 2. Install: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer or mobile device.
- 3. Open Office Files: Double-click any existing Microsoft Office document to open and seamlessly edit it in WPS Office without formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't my Microsoft Authenticator accounts transfer automatically using Apple's Quick Start?
For security reasons, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) tokens are encrypted and tied strictly to the hardware of your original device. They do not transfer automatically via standard device cloning processes like Apple's Quick Start. You must manually use the app's specific cloud backup and recovery feature.
Can I transfer accounts if I already factory reset my old iPhone and didn't have backup enabled?
Unfortunately, no. If cloud backup was not enabled before resetting the old device, the authentication tokens are permanently lost. You will need to use alternative verification methods or contact the administrator for each service to reset your two-factor authentication.
How do I enable backup on Microsoft Authenticator for the future?
Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your iOS device, tap the menu icon, go to Settings, and toggle on 'iCloud Backup'. You will be prompted to sign in with a personal Microsoft account, which will serve as your recovery account.
