Transfer Microsoft Authenticator accounts to new mobile device (iOS and Android)

Note:  You can only transfer Microsoft Authenticator between phones on the same platform.  You can’t move your accounts from an iPhone to Android or vice versa.

Step 1 – Upload your Microsoft Authentication data on your old phone to the cloud.

You must start by backing up Microsoft Authenticator on your current mobile device to the cloud.

If you use an iPhone, the data is uploaded to iCloud and secured with your Microsoft Account credentials. On Android phones, the information is stored on Microsoft’s online servers.

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your old device.
2. Open the Authenticator menu—tap the three stacked lines (iPhone) or three-dotted icon (Android).
3. Select Settings.
4. Activate the cloud backup option for your device—iCloud Backup (iPhone) or Cloud Backup (Android).
5. Wait for the notification that reveals the recovery account (if you use multiple Microsoft Accounts) being used to secure or back up your data.
6. Tap OK.

Step 2 – Transfer Microsoft Authenticator to the New Phone 

You’re ready to transfer your Microsoft Authenticator data to your new phone. Please do not remove any of your accounts or the Microsoft Authenticator app from the old phone until you are happy that all is working on your new device.

If you’re moving to a new iPhone, make sure to sign into the device with the same Apple ID as your old iPhone.

1. Download Microsoft Authenticator from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app, agree to its license terms, and skip any prompts to sign in.
3. Tap Begin Recovery (scroll down if you don’t see the option).
4. Enter the recovery account email address linked to your Microsoft Authenticator backup.
5. Enter the verification code you receive on your old mobile device. Or, authenticate the recovery account via an alternative MFA (multi-factor authentication) method such as email, SMS, or password.
6. Complete the account recovery process and tap OK.

Pleae note that some accounts may require additional verification before they work on the new device.  Please scroll through your list of tokens to indentify any accounts saying ‘Attention Required’