MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Backup Is Too Large Error

Bushra Parveen Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to save a cloud backup in Microsoft Authenticator because the backup size exceeds the allowed limit, usually due to storing over 100 accounts, passwords, and payment details.

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Backup Is Too Large to Save

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sync or save a cloud backup in Microsoft Authenticator with a large number of saved accounts.
Observed behavior: The app displays a 'backup too large' error and fails to save the user's two-factor authentication codes, passwords, and payment information to the cloud.

Before you start

Do not sign out or change the primary Microsoft account in the Authenticator app before resolving this issue, as doing so will instantly delete all unsynced 2FA codes and passwords.

Solution 1Recommended

Safely Remove Obsolete Accounts to Reduce Backup Size

Reduce the overall backup size by manually removing old or unused accounts, ensuring the remaining data fits within the cloud backup limits.

When your Microsoft Authenticator backup exceeds the size limit, usually caused by storing over 100 accounts or numerous autofill passwords, the most direct fix is cleaning up unnecessary entries. However, this must be done with extreme caution so you do not lock yourself out of active accounts.

Identify Unused Accounts

Scroll through your saved accounts in the Microsoft Authenticator app and make a list of obsolete, duplicate, or unused entries.

Disable 2FA on the Service Provider

Before deleting any 2FA code from the app, log into the respective service's website and temporarily disable two-factor authentication or switch it to SMS/Email verification.

Delete the Entry from Authenticator

Tap on the obsolete account in the Authenticator app, select the settings gear icon in the top right, and choose 'Remove account'.

Trigger the Cloud Backup Again

Once you have removed enough obsolete entries, navigate to the Authenticator Settings menu and toggle the Cloud Backup feature off and back on to force a new sync.

Safely Remove Obsolete Accounts to Reduce Backup Size

Critical Warning: Never delete an active 2FA account from the Authenticator app without first disabling 2FA on the website. If you delete the code without disabling it, you will be locked out of that service.

Solution 2

Update Microsoft Authenticator and Contact Support

If you cannot delete any accounts because all 100+ entries are active, ensure the app is fully updated and contact Microsoft Support for a potential limit adjustment or workaround.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my passwords if I sign out of Microsoft Authenticator without backing up?

Yes. If your cloud backup is failing and you choose to sign out, uninstall the app, or change your primary Microsoft account, all unsaved 2FA codes, passwords, and payment information will be permanently deleted from the device.

Is there a limit to how many accounts I can store in Microsoft Authenticator?

While Microsoft does not publicly state a strict numerical limit, users frequently encounter the 'backup too large' error when storing over 100 accounts, especially if the app is also handling heavy autofill data like synced passwords and addresses.

How can I back up my codes if the Microsoft Authenticator cloud backup keeps failing?

Microsoft Authenticator only supports its built-in cloud backup. If the cloud sync persistently fails, your safest alternative is to manually log into each service's website, generate emergency backup codes, or temporarily disable 2FA to migrate the service to a secondary device.

Login & Account Issues