Restore one-time password codes in Microsoft Authenticator

1. Enable iCloud Drive on your iOS device. Learn how.

2. Enable iCloud Keychain on your iOS device. Learn how.

3. Enable iCloud Backup on your iOS device. Learn how.

   1. Download and install Authenticator.

      Get the app

   2. Open Authenticator. Your backed-up one-time password codes and account names will appear.

   3. Sign in to any accounts that display Sign in to restore your account to complete their setup.

      

What information is restored in Authenticator?

Microsoft personal accounts

• If the account uses a one-time password code that refreshes every 30 seconds, the code is backed up and will be available after you restore.
• If the account uses passwordless sign-in, the passwordless credential is not backed up. Only the account name is restored, and you must sign in again.

Work or school accounts

• Work or school account credentials are not backed up. Only the account name is restored. After restoring, you must sign in and register the account again on your new device. Keep your old device available until you have completed this process.

Third-party accounts, such as LinkedIn and Facebook

• One-time password codes that refresh every 30 seconds are backed up and will be available after you restore.

Unable to restore Authenticator account credentials

If you are unable to recover or restore your Authenticator's account credentials because you cannot access your iCloud account, contact Apple Support.

If you can't connect or sign in to iCloud, contact Apple Support.

If you're unable to restore for any other reason, you can add the accounts again. Learn how.

I see "Sign in to restore your account" after restoring Authenticator accounts

If you see the message "Sign in to restore your account" next to an account, it may require further verification before it can be used.

1. In the Accounts screen of Authenticator, tap Sign in for each account you want to recover.
   
2. Enter your password and then confirm your email address or phone number as additional verification.

1. On your mobile device, open Authenticator, and select Restore from backup.
2. Sign in to your recovery account using the personal Microsoft account you used during the backup process. Your backed-up one-time password codes and account names will appear.
3. Sign in and register any work or school accounts again.

Can't see Restore from backup?

If you don't see Restore from backup or Begin recovery when opening Authenticator, you will need to remove or sign out of all accounts to restore your account credentials. Learn how.

What information is restored in Authenticator?

Microsoft personal accounts

• If the account uses a one-time password code that refreshes every 30 seconds, the code is backed up and will be available after you restore.
• If the account uses passwordless sign-in, the passwordless credential is not backed up. Only the account name is restored, and you must sign in again.

Work or school accounts

• Work or school account credentials are not backed up. Only the account name is restored. After restoring, you must sign in and register the account again on your new device. Keep your old device available until you have completed this process.

Third-party accounts, such as LinkedIn and Facebook

• One-time password codes that refresh every 30 seconds are backed up and will be available after you restore.

Unable to restore Authenticator account credentials

If you are unable to recover or restore your Authenticator's account credentials because you cannot access your backup account, our support agents cannot help, sorry.

For help getting access to your Microsoft backup account, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper.

If you're unable to restore for any other reason, you can add the accounts again. Learn how.

I see "Action required" after restoring Authenticator accounts

If you see the message Action required next to an account, it may require further verification before it can be used.

1. In the Accounts screen of Authenticator, tap the account you want to recover to open the full screen view of the account.
   
2. Tap the tile for the account you're recovering and then tap the option to sign in to recover. Enter your password and then confirm your email address or phone number as additional verification.