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Microsoft Authenticator
What Microsoft Authenticator is
Microsoft Authenticator is a free app for iOS and Android that helps verify account sign-ins. It can generate one-time password codes, approve sign-in requests on a phone, and support passwordless sign-in. Microsoft Entra users can use device-bound passkeys for phishing-resistant sign-in. The app supports Microsoft personal, work, and school accounts, as well as other accounts. Push approvals are available for Microsoft personal and work or school accounts, but not third-party accounts such as Google or Facebook. Verification codes work without internet or mobile data; notifications and sign-in responses require an internet connection. Passkeys use Apple Secure Enclave on iOS or hardware-backed Android storage where supported. Microsoft documents FIPS 140-compliant cryptography for Microsoft Entra authentications on supported devices and app versions. When location is used for access policy, the country name may be stored and reported to an IT admin; Microsoft says actual coordinates are not saved on its servers. The app is designed for smartphones and is not available for PC or Mac. Autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025, and the Microsoft Autofill Chrome extension was retired on December 14, 2024.
Who it suits
It suits smartphone users who want sign-in approvals or one-time codes for Microsoft and other accounts. Microsoft Entra users can also use device-bound passkeys on supported devices.
What it does well
- Free iOS and Android app.
- Verification codes work offline.
- Supports Microsoft personal, work, school, and other accounts.
- Entra passkeys are device-bound where supported.
What to know first
- Not available for PC or Mac.
- Push notifications do not work for third-party accounts.
- Sign-in notifications and responses require internet access.
- Autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025.
Limits
The free plan is a mobile app for iOS and Android. Push notifications are limited to Microsoft personal and work or school accounts; third-party accounts do not receive them.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Authenticator | Mobile app · iOS and Android | Free |
As support.microsoft.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Microsoft Authenticator website for app information.
- Get the mobile app for iOS or Android.
- Use it to generate one-time password codes or approve sign-ins on your phone.
Verdict
Microsoft Authenticator provides mobile sign-in approvals, codes, and supported Entra passkeys. Its smartphone-only availability and account-specific push notification support are important limits to consider.
Questions
Is Microsoft Authenticator free?
Yes. The listed plan is free for the mobile app on iOS and Android.
Which platforms does it support?
It supports iOS and Android smartphones. Microsoft says it is not available for PC or Mac.
Can it work without internet?
Verification codes do not require an internet or data connection. Sign-in notifications and responses do require internet access.
Does it support passkeys?
Microsoft Entra users can use device-bound passkeys for passwordless, phishing-resistant sign-in.
Can it send push notifications for Google or Facebook?
No. Push notifications work for Microsoft personal and work or school accounts, but not third-party accounts such as Google or Facebook.
Does it include autofill?
Authenticator autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025.
Facts from Microsoft Authenticator's own pages
- Account types
- Authenticator supports Microsoft personal, work, school, and other accounts. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Autofill retirement
- Authenticator autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025, and the Microsoft Autofill Chrome extension was retired on December 14, 2024. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Code type
- totp · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Desktop availability
- Microsoft says Authenticator is not available for PC or Mac and is designed for smartphones. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- FIPS support
- Microsoft documents FIPS 140-compliant cryptography for Microsoft Entra authentications on supported iOS and Android devices and app versions. · learn.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Location information
- When location is used for access policy, the country name may be stored and reported to an IT admin, while Microsoft says actual coordinates are not saved on its servers. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Multi-device sync
- No · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Offline codes
- Verification codes do not require an internet or data connection, while sign-in notifications and responses do require an internet connection. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Passkeys
- Microsoft Entra users can use device-bound passkeys in Authenticator for passwordless, phishing-resistant sign-in. · learn.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Passwordless sign-in
- The app can verify sign-ins, provide one-time password codes, or let users approve sign-ins on their phone. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Push approvals
- Yes · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Security storage
- Authenticator passkeys are device-bound and use Apple Secure Enclave on iOS or Android hardware-backed storage where supported. · learn.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Microsoft's FAQ directs users whose questions are unanswered to the Microsoft Authenticator community forum. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- iOS,Android · support.microsoft.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Third-party notifications
- Push notifications work for Microsoft personal and work or school accounts, but not third-party accounts such as Google or Facebook. · support.microsoft.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where Microsoft Authenticator stands on Freedom251
- Authenticator apps#13 of 111