Account Security Problems

How to Remove a Former Employer's Device Registration from Microsoft Authenticator

Camila Milosovich Oct 20, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to remove a previous employer's device management profile and account registration from their Microsoft Authenticator app.

How to Remove a Former Employer's Device Registration from Microsoft Authenticator

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: iPhone
Scenario: The user is transitioning to a new employer and wants to clear the old organization's registration from their personal device, but local removal attempts fail.
Observed behavior: The 'Unregister' option in Microsoft Authenticator does not work locally because the device record remains actively registered in the former employer's Microsoft Entra ID and Intune portals.

Before you start

Ensure you have the contact information for your former employer's IT helpdesk or system administrator, as resolving this issue requires server-side access.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Former Employer's IT Administrator

The most effective way to fully remove the device is by having the former employer's IT admin delete the record from their Microsoft portals.

Because the device was enrolled in an organization's mobile device management (MDM) system, simply deleting the app or profile on your iPhone is often insufficient. The device remains linked in the organization's Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and Intune tenant.

Contact the IT Helpdesk

Reach out to the IT department or system administrator of your former employer.

Request Intune Deletion

Ask the administrator to locate your personal iPhone in their Microsoft Intune portal and select the 'Delete' or 'Wipe' action to remove the device record.

Request Entra ID Deletion

Additionally, ask them to navigate to the Devices section of the Microsoft Entra ID admin portal and delete the device registration there.

Contact Former Employer's IT Administrator

Admin Access Required: The helpdesk representative must have the appropriate administrative permissions in Azure/Entra ID to perform these deletions.

Solution 2

Register Dual Accounts (Workaround)

If you urgently need access to your new employer's resources while waiting for the former employer to clear the old record.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Documents Freely with WPS Office

Dealing with organizational IT restrictions can be frustrating. For your personal device, consider using WPS Office as a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers a familiar interface, seamless file compatibility, and doesn't require complex MDM or Entra ID accounts.

1. Download the App: Visit the WPS Office website or your device's app store to download the free application.
2. Install and Open: Install WPS Office on your device and launch the application without needing complex work account logins.
3. Edit Seamlessly: Open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office files with full formatting support.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsNo complex organizational IT administration requiredLightweight application suitable for personal iPhones and PCsFree to download and easy to set up

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the 'Unregister' option in Microsoft Authenticator fail?

The local 'Unregister' option often fails because the device is strictly managed by the organization's Intune or Entra ID policies. Only an IT administrator with portal access can permanently remove this association.

Can I use Microsoft Authenticator for my new job if the old one is still registered?

Yes, you can register a new Work or School account alongside the old one. The app supports multiple accounts, allowing you to access your new employer's resources while you wait for the old registration to be cleared.

What should I do if my former IT desk cannot resolve the issue?

If the tier-1 helpdesk cannot resolve it, ask them to escalate the ticket to an administrator who has access to the Microsoft Entra ID Devices section. If the issue persists on their end, they may need to contact Microsoft Intune Support.

Microsoft Office Security Issues