Microsoft Authenticator backups restore only to the same platform: an iPhone backup cannot be restored on Android, and an Android backup cannot be restored on iPhone. Before you leave your old phone, enable backup and confirm which recovery account or iCloud settings it uses. On the replacement phone, choose Restore from backup or Begin recovery before signing in normally. Some accounts—especially work or school and passwordless accounts—will still require you to sign in again.
Before you change phones: check the platform and backup
Microsoft’s backup is platform-specific. A backup made on iOS cannot be restored on Android, so plan for a fresh setup of your accounts if you are switching between iPhone and Android. Microsoft’s backup instructions describe different setup requirements for each platform.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Android: enable Cloud Backup
- Open Microsoft Authenticator and go to Settings.
- Enable Cloud Backup.
- Select the personal Microsoft account where the backup should be stored, then confirm.
Use the personal Microsoft account you will be able to access on the replacement phone. Microsoft says that if the backup was created under the wrong account, you must delete that backup and create a new one under the correct recovery account.
Recommended Free Tools
iPhone: enable the required iCloud options
Microsoft’s iOS setup requires iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, and iCloud Backup to be enabled. In iCloud’s saved-app list, find Authenticator and turn it on. Check these settings while the old iPhone is available.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Restore on the replacement phone
- Install Microsoft Authenticator on the replacement phone. Microsoft provides official download instructions for iOS and Android.
- Open the app and choose Restore from backup or Begin recovery before signing in to the app normally.
- Sign in with the personal Microsoft recovery account used for the backup, or follow the iCloud recovery prompts on iPhone.
- Follow any prompts to sign in to individual accounts or complete additional verification.
If the recovery option does not appear, Microsoft says you may need to remove or sign out of all accounts in Authenticator before trying to restore. See Microsoft’s restore account credentials instructions for the recovery flow and account-specific prompts.
What comes back depends on the account type
| Account type | What the backup restores | What to expect next |
|---|---|---|
| Account using one-time passwords (OTP) only | Microsoft says OTP codes may be available after restore. | Use the restored code for sign-in. Microsoft describes OTP codes as refreshing every 30 seconds. |
| Personal Microsoft account with passwordless sign-in | The account name only. | Sign in again to reactivate passwordless access. |
| Work or school account | The account name only. | Sign in again; your organization may require additional verification. |
| Third-party account using OTP | Microsoft says OTP codes for accounts using only OTP may be available after restore; it does not provide a separate restore guarantee for every third-party service. | Check the account in Authenticator and follow the service’s sign-in or recovery process if its code is unavailable. |
A restored account may display that sign-in or an action is required. Be ready to enter the account password and complete an additional verification step using an email address or phone number.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
If your iCloud backup does not appear
Microsoft’s Authenticator FAQ lists these checks for iOS backup recovery:
- Confirm iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, and iCloud Backup are enabled.
- Check that Authenticator is enabled in the iCloud saved-app list.
- Update Microsoft Authenticator to version 6.8.33 or later.
- Open Authenticator at least once on the old iPhone before switching, if it is still available.
- On the replacement iPhone, uninstall and reinstall Authenticator, then try recovery again.
These steps are troubleshooting guidance, not a guarantee that a missing backup can be recovered. If you cannot access iCloud, Microsoft directs users to Apple Support. If restoration still fails, Microsoft says you can add the accounts again.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Upcoming Android backup change
Microsoft says that starting in January 2027, Android users will need to enable Authenticator through Google One backup rather than use a personal Microsoft account to enable backup. Until that change takes effect, Microsoft’s current Android instructions use the app’s Cloud Backup setting and a personal Microsoft account. Check Microsoft’s backup page for the current setup when preparing a device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The information below is per-pack only
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
