MFA - Backup or Migrate Microsoft Authenticator to a New Phone

Summary

This article provides guidance on what moving the Microsoft Authenticator app to a new phone, in case of a new or lost device. 

 

Audience

This article is intended to be used by NLPS staff.

 

Instructions

The Microsoft Authenticator app is tied to a specific device, and can't simply be installed on a new phone or device. You can backup Authenticator to a personal Microsoft account and restore it to a new device, or remove the Authenticator method from the Microsoft settings and add it back on the new phone. 

 

Backup and Migrate the Authenticator App with a Personal Microsoft Account

Using a personal (non-SD68) Microsoft account for the backup will allow you to back up all the accounts that you have set up for MFA in the Microsoft Authenticator App. This is useful when you have several accounts from difference organizations that need to be moved to a new device.

Prerequisites: To complete migration you will need:

  • An existing device with Authenticator app. 
  • A new device. 
  • A personal Microsoft account. 
     
  1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your old phone, and click the three vertical dots at the top right, then click Settings. 
  2. In the Backup section, toggle Cloud Backup on. 
  3. You will be prompted to sign in to a personal Microsoft account. 
  4. On the new phone, install the Microsoft Authenticator app, and open it. 
  5. Touch the Begin recovery option at the bottom of the screen. 
  6. You'll be prompted to sign in to the personal Microsoft account that you used for the backup. 
  7. Your accounts will then be automatically added to the new phone. 
  8. Some accounts may as you to validate again by entering credentials or scanning a QR code. 
  9. Test to confirm all of your accounts are present, then remove the Authenticator app from the old phone. 

 

Migrate the Authenticator App Manually

With this method, you will need to be able to sign in to your SD68 account, through a browser or on your personal device. 

Prerequisites: To complete migration you will need:

  • An existing device with Authenticator App. 
  • A computer with internet access. 
     
  1. Login to your SD68 account in a browser on a computer (add link). 
  2. Navigate to your account picture at the top right, then click View Account. 
  3. Under Security Info, you can view all of the MFA options that have been added to your account. It is recommended to have at least 2 methods set up so you don't lose access to your account. 
  4. Click the Delete button next to the Microsoft Authenticator app option.
  5. Click Ok to confirm removal. 
  6. Click Add sign-in method. 
  7. Select Microsoft Authenticator App. 
  8. Follow the steps to complete setup. 


Additional Help

If you are still experiencing issues after attempting all of the steps outlined above, please contact the SD68 Helpdesk (Link)

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