If you rely on Microsoft Authenticator for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on various services and have lost or switched devices, here’s a straightforward guide to regain access smoothly:
- Backup Your Authenticator App: before switching devices, enable the backup feature on your old phone’s Microsoft Authenticator app. This step ensures that you don’t have to manually recreate your entire account list.
![Enable backup in your Authenticator App](https://modern-workplace.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-02-09500.png)
- Install and Restore: on your new device, download and open the Microsoft Authenticator app. Select ‘Restore from backup’ right after installation to begin restoring your accounts.
![Restore from backup](https://modern-workplace.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-02-095401-1024x486.png)
- Authenticate: log in using the same account that you used for creating the backup. Your accounts list should now be restored, but note that:
- Accounts using only password code generators will be fully functional immediately (like LinkedIn).
- Accounts using Push Notification or Phone Sign-In might show an “Action Required” error.
![Password code generators will be fully functional](https://modern-workplace.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-02-095402-1024x374.png)
![Action required](https://modern-workplace.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-02-095834.png)
Opening the account You will see the message “Scan the QR code provided by your organization to finish recovering the account“.
![Scan the QR code provided by your organization to finish recovering the account](https://modern-workplace.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-02-095908-1024x266.png)
- Fixing the ‘Action Required’ Error:To generate the QR code go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and login with your account.
- In Security info select “Add sign-in method“
![Security info select "Add sign-in method"](https://modern-workplace.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-02-100545.png)
- Select Authenticator app. A QR code will appear for you to scan with your new device.
![A QR code will be generated and you can scan it from your mobile.](https://modern-workplace.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-02-100659.png)
- Final Step: do not forget to remove your old mobile phone from the listed sign-in methods to maintain security.
Following these steps will help you transition your MFA settings to a new device without compromising on security.