How to backup Microsoft Authenticator accounts on Android

Microsoft Authenticator is a great app for your mobile device that allows to sign in your account using two-factor authentication adding an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

The only caveat with this app is that every time you upgrade to a new phone or reset your device, you always have to re-enter all your accounts information. However, the app has received an update, which introduces the ability to backup your settings to the cloud to quickly recovery.  

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to backup and recover your accounts using the Microsoft Authentication app.

• How to enable account backup for Microsoft Authenticator
• How to disable account backup for Microsoft Authenticator
• How to recover accounts on Microsoft Authenticator

How to enable account backup for Microsoft Authenticator

Use these steps to backup your accounts available on Microsoft Authenticator:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.

2. Tap on Settings (three vertical dots) button in the top-right corner.

3. Tap the Turn on backup option.

4. Tap the Continue button.

5. Tap the Send notification button (if applicable).

   

6. Confirm the authentication.

Once you complete the steps, the Microsoft Authenticator settings will backup to the cloud account that you selected.

How to disable account backup for Microsoft Authenticator

Use these steps to disable and delete Microsoft Authenticator backup:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.

2. Tap on Settings (three vertical dots) button in the top-right corner.

3. Tap the Settings option.

4. Under the “Backup” section, turn off the Cloud backup toggle switch.

   

5. Tap the Delete button.

After you complete the steps, Microsoft Authenticator backup will be deleted from the cloud, but your account will remain in the app.

How to recover accounts on Microsoft Authenticator

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.

2. Tap the Begin recovery button.

3. Confirm your email address that includes the backup.

4. Tap the Next button.

5. Tap the Use your password instead option.

   

6. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

7. Tap the Sign in button.

8. Confirm your account using the one of the available option (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the backup will download and restore on your phone, but you may still need to verify each account to complete the process, because Microsoft doesn’t store your passwords.

The Microsoft Authenticator app is available for both Android and iOS devices. If you’re using an iOS device, then you will need an iCloud account to store the backup.