MFA & Verification Issues

How to Register a Replacement Device in Microsoft Authenticator

Rana GarciaRana Garcia Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to learn how to register a replacement device for multifactor authentication and how to submit feedback about the Microsoft Authenticator app.

How to Register a Replacement Device in Microsoft Authenticator
Product
Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Setting up a new device for MFA login verification and finding the correct channel to submit feature requests.
Observed behavior
The user is looking for the correct procedures to manage their authenticator setup on a new device and provide product feedback.
Before you start

Ensure you have access to your Microsoft account credentials and an alternative backup authentication method, such as a phone number or secondary email address, before setting up your new device.

Solution 1Recommended

Register a Replacement Device for Multifactor Authentication

Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on a new smartphone or tablet to ensure uninterrupted and secure login access.

When switching to a new device, it is crucial to re-register your authentication app to avoid losing access to your accounts. You can do this by adding your accounts manually or using the cloud backup feature if previously enabled.

1
Install the App

Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) on your replacement device.

2
Add Your Account

Open the app, select 'Add account', and choose either 'Work or school account' or 'Personal account' based on your Microsoft profile type.

3
Verify Identity

Sign in with your email and password. When prompted for multifactor authentication, select an alternative backup method (like SMS or email) to verify your identity.

4
Complete Setup and Clean Up

Follow the on-screen prompts to finish the setup. Once registered, log into your Microsoft account security dashboard on a browser and remove your old device from the authorized list.

Register a Replacement Device for Multifactor Authentication
Cloud Backup Recovery: If you had Cloud Backup enabled on your old device, simply tap 'Begin recovery' on the new device's Authenticator app to automatically restore your account tokens.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Microsoft Authenticator active on two devices at once?

Yes, you can set up the Authenticator app on multiple devices. You simply need to add your account to the app on the secondary device and verify the setup using an existing backup authentication method.

What should I do if I lose the phone with my Authenticator app?

If you lose your device, immediately sign in to your Microsoft account using a backup authentication method (like SMS or an alternate email) and remove the lost device from your account's security settings to prevent unauthorized access.

How do I view my current enrolled devices for MFA?

You can review your enrolled devices and operating system details by logging into your Microsoft account via a web browser, navigating to the 'Security' section, and selecting 'Advanced security options'.