How to use Microsoft Authenticator app to back up your credentials

Your Microsoft or non-Microsoft-related accounts include content that’s important to you. So, finding yourself suddenly locked can be incredibly frustrating. Even more so when the account has your important contacts, emails, messages, chats, and more. To avoid such unpleasant instances, use the Microsoft Authenticator app to back up your credentials.

Use Microsoft Authenticator app to back up your credentials

Microsoft Authenticator app stores recovery info which can be immensely useful in getting back access to your account if you’re locked out. Also, it can save you from the trouble of having to recreate accounts. Before you choose to back up your credentials, make sure you have a personal Microsoft account to act as your recovery account. For iOS only, you must have an iCloud account for the actual storage location.

Launch the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Go to Settings > Backup.
Select iCloud backup/Cloud backup (make sure that the account you’re recovering doesn’t exist in the Microsoft Authenticator app).
On the new device, select the Begin recovery option.
Sign in to your recovery account using the personal Microsoft account you used during the backup process.
Provide more verification for personal accounts, if required.

Microsoft Authenticator app lets you securely sign in to your accounts via the two-factor authentication (TFA) process, without the need to add a password.

To use the Microsoft Authenticator app to back up your credentials, the first thing you’ll need to do is enable cloud backup for iOS devices or Android devices.

For this, launch the Authenticator app on your iOS device or Android device and select Settings.

Next, select Backup, and then turn on iCloud backup for iOS or Cloud backup for Android to backup your account credentials. Make sure that the account you’re recovering doesn’t exist in the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Now, to recover your credentials on another device, launch the Authenticator app. When prompted, hit the Begin Recovery button at the bottom of the screen.

Sign in to your recovery account using the personal Microsoft account you used during the backup process. Your account credentials will be recovered to the new device.

To add more verification for work or school accounts, switch to the Accounts screen of the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Next, tap the account you want to recover to open the full-screen view of the account.

Then, in the full-screen view, tap the option to scan a QR code to fully recover.

What do I do if Microsoft Authenticator is not working?

If you’re experiencing account-related problems, make sure that you’re properly signed in to your account. For example, on an iOS device like iPhone or iPad, make sure you’re signed in to iCloud using the same Apple ID as your iPhone.

Read: Multi-Factor Authentication: Benefits of using MFA

What does the Microsoft Authenticator app do?

The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign in to your accounts using two-factor verification. It’s a more convenient way to sign in and use your accounts securely as it does not require you to enter a password manually. Passwords bear the risk of being forgotten, stolen, or getting compromised.