Microsoft 365 Migration

How to Start Advanced Data Residency Migration in Microsoft 365

Huda Qurayshi Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to initiate the Advanced Data Residency migration in Microsoft 365 but cannot find the signal migration opt-in option after purchasing and assigning the necessary licenses.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to opt in to signal migration in the admin center after procuring Microsoft 365 Advanced Data Residency licenses.
Observed behavior: The signal migration opt-in option does not appear immediately in the Data Location settings of the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed in to the Microsoft 365 admin center with administrator privileges and have purchased enough Advanced Data Residency licenses to cover all eligible users.

Solution 1Recommended

Wait 24 Hours and Access Data Location Settings

Use this solution to allow the system enough time to process your newly assigned licenses and to navigate to the correct settings menu to initiate the migration.

After purchasing and assigning the required Advanced Data Residency licenses, the Microsoft 365 system requires time to synchronize the changes. The opt-in option will not appear immediately.

Assign licenses and wait

Assign the Advanced Data Residency licenses to your users and allow up to 24 hours for the changes to take full effect across the Microsoft 365 servers.

Navigate to Organization Profile

Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center as an administrator. In the left navigation menu, go to Settings, then click on Org Settings, and select the Organization Profile tab.

Access Data Location settings

Under the Organization Profile tab, click on Data Location. The option to opt in to signal migration should now be visible.

License Requirements: Verify that the quantity of Advanced Data Residency licenses you purchased matches the total number of eligible users. If the counts do not align, the option may remain hidden.

Solution 2

Verify License Quantity and Open a Support Ticket

If 24 hours have passed and the opt-in option is still unavailable, you may need to check your license count or request assistance from Microsoft Support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the signal migration opt-in missing after buying Advanced Data Residency licenses?

The Microsoft 365 admin center can take up to 24 hours to reflect licensing changes. Additionally, the option may remain hidden if the number of Advanced Data Residency licenses purchased does not match the total number of eligible users in your tenant.

Where is the Data Location setting located in Microsoft 365?

You can find the Data Location setting by signing in to the Microsoft 365 admin center as an administrator, navigating to Settings, clicking on Org Settings, and then selecting the Organization Profile tab.

What should I do if the migration option is still unavailable after waiting 24 hours?

If the option remains unavailable after 24 hours and you have verified your license quantities, you should open a support ticket. In the Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to Support and select New service request to get help from Microsoft.

Migration & Recovery