How to Back Up and Restore Your Microsoft Authenticator App – No Wahala Guide

If you’ve ever lost your phone or changed devices, you already know the stress of trying to log into your accounts and getting stuck because your Microsoft Authenticator app is missing. E go pain! But no worries, I’ll show you how to back up your authenticator app so you don’t ever get stranded.

🔹 How to Back Up Microsoft Authenticator

Before you even think of switching phones, make sure you have a backup so you can restore it easily

Enable Cloud Backup

Microsoft makes it easy to store your authentication codes securely, so you can restore them when you need to

For Android Users:

• Open Microsoft Authenticator.

• Tap the three-dot menu at the top-right and select Settings.

• Scroll down to Backup and toggle Cloud Backup ON.

• Your accounts will be backed up to your Microsoft account (OneDrive).

For iPhone Users:

• Open Microsoft Authenticator.

• Tap Settings at the bottom.

• Under Backup, enable iCloud Backup.

✅ Note: Your backup is tied to the Microsoft account you used when setting up the authenticator. If you do not have access to that account, na wahala be that!

🔹 How to Restore Microsoft Authenticator on a New Phone

Just follow these steps to restore your authenticator without stress.

Restore from Backup

• Download Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone.

• Open the app and tap “Begin Recovery”.

• Select “Already have a backup?” and sign in to your Microsoft account.

• Your accounts will restore automatically—no need to manually add them again.

3️⃣ Revalidate Some Accounts

• Some accounts might ask for extra verification (e.g., logging in manually).

• Some services will require you to scan a QR code again.

• Microsoft Authenticator will let you know which accounts need revalidation.

4️⃣ Remove Authenticator from Your Old Phone

Once you’re sure your accounts are working on your new phone, delete the app from your old device so you don’t get confused later.

See useful Microsoft Doc that can Guide you:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune-service/user-help/set-up-migrate-iphone-for-work

🔹 Pro Tips to Avoid problems Later

✔ Have a Backup Device – If you can, install Authenticator on a second device (like a tablet or extra phone).

✔ Save Recovery Codes – Some accounts give you backup recovery codes. Write them down somewhere safe.

✔ Secure Your Microsoft Account – Since your backup is stored there, use a strong password and enable MFA.

✔ Use Multiple MFA Methods – Enable SMS or security keys as extra options in case something goes wrong.

Backing up your Microsoft Authenticator will save you plenty headache if you ever lose your phone or upgrade to a new device. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be able to restore your accounts easily—no stories, no stress.

Have any issues? Drop a comment, and I go help you sort am. 🚀 🔐