'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Recover GitHub Account After Losing Microsoft Authenticator Data
Question details
The user needs to regain access to their GitHub account after deleting the Microsoft Authenticator app and having no backup recovery codes.
- Product
- GitHub, Microsoft Authenticator
- Device & OS
- iOS, macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to log into GitHub after performing a device reset that wiped the Microsoft Authenticator app data.
- Observed behavior
- The user is completely locked out of GitHub because the 2FA code cannot be generated and no offline recovery codes are available.
Before proceeding with account recovery, carefully check your emails, cloud drives, or secure notes to ensure you haven't saved your GitHub recovery codes elsewhere. Also, verify if you have an active authenticated GitHub session on another browser.
Initiate the GitHub Account Recovery Process
Since Microsoft cannot bypass GitHub authentication, the only way to regain access without the authenticator app or recovery codes is through GitHub's official recovery protocol.
Microsoft Authenticator is a third-party app used to generate codes, but Microsoft does not have control over your GitHub account. Therefore, account recovery must be handled directly by GitHub Support.
Go to the GitHub login page and enter your username and password.
When prompted for the two-factor authentication code, click on the 'Having problems?' or 'Use a recovery code or request a reset' link.
Since you do not have your recovery codes, select the option that says 'I don't have my recovery codes or authenticator app'.
Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity. This usually involves verifying your email address and providing an SSH key or a personal access token if you have one saved on your machine.
Submit your account recovery request to GitHub Support. Wait for their team to review your case and restore access.
Attempt to Restore Microsoft Authenticator Cloud Backup
If you previously enabled cloud backup for Microsoft Authenticator, you might be able to restore your 2FA tokens on a new or reset device.
Boost Your Productivity with WPS Office
While waiting for your GitHub account recovery, consider enhancing your local workflow with WPS Office. As a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative to Microsoft Office, it provides a familiar UI and seamless file compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Microsoft Support help me bypass GitHub two-factor authentication?
No, Microsoft Support cannot restore access to a GitHub account or bypass GitHub's authentication systems. Microsoft Authenticator is just a tool; you must go through GitHub Support for account recovery.
Is it possible to recover Microsoft Authenticator data without a backup?
No. If you did not enable the cloud backup feature in Microsoft Authenticator before resetting your iPhone or Mac, the 2FA tokens are permanently wiped and cannot be recovered.
What should I do after successfully recovering my GitHub account?
Once access is restored, immediately set up two-factor authentication again, download your new recovery codes, and store them in a secure, offline location or a reliable password manager.
