How to move Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone

Getting a new phone is the most common way people get locked out of their work account. The fix is simple: don’t wipe or trade in your old phone until the new one is working.

Before you switch

On your old phone, open Microsoft Authenticator and turn on backup:

• iPhone: Settings in the app, then turn on iCloud Backup.
• Android: Settings in the app, then turn on Cloud Backup and choose your personal Microsoft account.

Backup restores your list of accounts, but work accounts usually still need to be re-verified. That’s what the next section is for.

Add the new phone to your work account

1. On your computer, go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in.
2. Click Add sign-in method and choose Microsoft Authenticator.
3. On your new phone, install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play.
4. In the app, tap +, choose Work or school account, then Scan QR code.
5. Scan the code on your computer screen and approve the test notification.

Clean up

Back on the Security info page:

1. Set the new phone as your default sign-in method if it isn’t already.
2. Delete the old phone from the list.

Now it’s safe to reset the old phone.

Already lost the old phone?

You’ll need your admin to reset your MFA registration so you can set it up again. This is a security step on purpose, so expect them to verify it’s really you.

Matter of Technology clients: call us and we’ll get you back in.