How to backup Microsoft Authenticator accounts on Android

You can now backup and restore your account stored in the Microsoft Authenticator app, and here's how to use the feature.

Microsoft logo at Store grand opening in 2016
Microsoft logo at Store grand opening in 2016

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

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).

    Microsoft Authenticator backup
    Microsoft Authenticator backup
  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.

    Microsoft Authenticator disable backup
    Microsoft Authenticator disable backup
  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.

    Microsoft Authenticator recovery
    Microsoft Authenticator recovery
  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.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.