How to Transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a New Phone

Moving to a new phone? Transferring your Microsoft Authenticator accounts properly is essential to maintain access to your two-factor authentication (2FA) protected accounts. This guide covers both cloud backup restoration and manual transfer methods.

Before You Begin

Important: Keep your old phone accessible during the entire transfer process. You may need it to verify your identity or access accounts.

Choose your transfer method:

Scenario	Method
Android to Android	Cloud Backup & Restore
iPhone to iPhone	Cloud Backup & Restore
Android to iPhone	Manual Transfer
iPhone to Android	Manual Transfer
No backup available	Manual Transfer

---

Method 1: Cloud Backup & Restore (Same OS Only)

Use this method when moving between the same operating system (Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone).

Step 1: Back Up Your Old Phone

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your old phone
2. Tap the menu icon:
   • Android: Three dots (⋮) in the top right
   • iOS: Three lines (☰) in the top left
3. Go to Settings
4. Enable backup:
   • Android: Toggle on Cloud Backup
   • iOS: Toggle on iCloud Backup
5. Wait for confirmation: "Last backup: Just now"

Step 2: Restore on Your New Phone

1. Install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app - Do NOT sign in yet
3. Tap "Begin Recovery" (at the bottom of the screen)
4. Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account used for backup
5. Verify your identity when prompted
6. Your accounts will be restored

Note: Some accounts may require you to re-enter your password to reactivate them on the new device.

---

Method 2: Manual Transfer (Cross-Platform)

Use this method when moving between different operating systems or if cloud backup isn't available.

1. Keep your old phone active - Don't delete the app yet
2. Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone
3. For each account, do the following:
   • Log into the service on a computer (Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.)
   • Navigate to Account Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication
   • Select Add a new app or Change authenticator app
   • A QR code will appear on screen
4. On your NEW phone:
   • Open Microsoft Authenticator
   • Tap the + icon
   • Select Other account (or the appropriate type)
   • Scan the QR code from your computer screen
   • Enter the 6-digit code to verify
5. Repeat for all accounts
6. Once all accounts are transferred, you can remove the app from your old phone

---

Transferring Work or School Accounts

Work and school accounts (Microsoft Entra ID) require additional steps:

1. Contact your IT administrator for specific instructions
2. They may need to reset your MFA registration
3. After reset, re-register Authenticator through your organization's portal
4. Some organizations use Conditional Access policies that require device re-enrollment

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Accounts not appearing after restore

• Ensure you're using the same Microsoft account that created the backup
• Check if cloud backup was enabled before you wiped the old phone
• Personal accounts and some work accounts restore; passwordless accounts may need re-registration

Can't find "Begin Recovery" option

• Make sure you haven't signed in to the app yet
• Uninstall and reinstall the app if needed
• The option appears on fresh installations only

Account shows but doesn't generate codes

• Re-enter your password for that account in Authenticator
• Some accounts require reactivation after transfer

---

Best Practices for Future Transfers

• Always enable cloud backup in Authenticator settings
• Save backup codes provided by services when enabling 2FA
• Keep your Microsoft account secure - it holds your backup
• Test the backup periodically by checking the "Last backup" date

---

Related Articles

• How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Not Working
• How to Recover a Microsoft Account