Microsoft Authenticator iPhone backup

On an iPhone, Microsoft Authenticator does not use a Microsoft account for backup. Instead, Microsoft Authenticator relies entirely on Apple iCloud.

There is no backup button inside the app in Microsoft’s version of Microsoft Authenticator for iPhone. Instead, once your iPhone is set up correctly, your MFA settings are synchronised and periodically checked in iCloud and iCloud keychain in the background.

The key requirement is that your iPhone is:

• Signed in to your Apple ID
• Using iCloud
• Using iCloud Keychain

If those conditions are met, Microsoft Authenticator iPhone backup is already working. Click open the next sections to learn how to set up your iPhone.

Important note about your Apple ID – your Apple ID, like a Google, Microsoft (personal) and a Microsoft 365 account – is what is called a sovereign account. Be sure that sovereign accounts are configured with secondary sign-in alternatives, and be sure to verify your record and review your user account contact preferences no less than annually.

These steps take about two minutes and only need to be done once. Please read through the workflow before you begin. Also, bear in mind that Microsoft and Apple can change processes from time to time and the workflow may vary depending on your iOS version and iPhone model. In any event, the objective is to enable iCloud, iCloud keychain, and enable iPhone to execute connectivity for Microsoft Authenticator.

1. Confirm You Are Signed In to Your Apple ID

1. Open iPhone Settings
2. Look at the very top of the screen
   1. If you see your name, then you are signed in
   2. If not, sign in with your Apple ID

Microsoft Authenticator iPhone backup needs to be associated with your Apple ID, so this step is essential.

2. Make Sure iCloud Is Turned On

1. Open Settings
2. Tap your name
3. Tap iCloud
4. Ensure iCloud is switched ON

Without connectivity to iCloud, Authenticator cannot backup your credentials.

3. Turn On iCloud Keychain (Most Important Step)

1. Go to Settings → your name → iCloud
2. Tap Passwords & Keychain
3. Turn iCloud Keychain ON

iCloud Keychain securely stores your 365 MFA settings so that they can be retreived later. If you store Microsoft Authenticator credentials for other services, you can back these up too.

4. Allow Microsoft Authenticator to Use iCloud

1. Go to Settings → your name → iCloud
2. Tap Show All
3. Ensure Microsoft Authenticator is switched ON

If Microsoft Authenticator is turned OFF, Microsoft Authenticator iPhone backup will not work. So, be sure to check this setting.

Once these settings are in place, you can use Microsoft Authenticator normally:

• Add your Microsoft work account if 365 MFA is not already configured
• Add any other supported accounts
• Approve sign‑ins as usual

There is nothing else to manage. On an iPhone, backup happens automatically in the background.

If your phone is lost, damaged, or replaced, restoring Microsoft Authenticator is straightforward:

1. Sign in to the same Apple ID on the new iPhone
2. Turn on iCloud and iCloud Keychain
3. Install Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store
4. Open the app

Your Microsoft Authenticator accounts/credentials will reappear automatically. You may be asked to sign in again to some services, but the Authenticator entries themselves are restored. This is why Microsoft Authenticator iPhone backup is so important to set up early.

Hot Tip: Microsoft Authenticator requires iOS 16 or later to work. If Microsoft Authenticator is not available in your App Store inventory, it is usually because your iPhone does not support minimum hardware/software requirements.

Do I need a Microsoft personal account for backup?

• No. On an iPhone, backup uses Apple iCloud only.

Can I choose where the backup is stored?

• No. Microsoft Authenticator iPhone backup always uses iCloud.

Is the backup secure?

• Yes. The data is encrypted and protected by iCloud Keychain.

For iPhone users, Microsoft Authenticator iPhone backup is simple, automatic, and secure — as long as iCloud and iCloud Keychain are enabled, and iOS is configured to connect Microsoft Authenticator to iCloud. Microsoft does not back up your MFA credentials to your Microsoft 365 account because if you have lost your credentials, you cannot login to 365 to retreive them. Therefore, MFA credentials need to be stored elsewhere.

Google users and Microsoft (personal) account users save their MFA settings in Microsoft (personal) accounts. Click here for guidance to backup 365 MFA settings using Android.

Spending two minutes checking these settings now can save hours of disruption later, and possibly catastrophic loss. For 365 tenancy owners and Global Administrators, this is a critically important utilitiy. If you manage devices or Microsoft 365 for your business and want help configuring this service correctly, Comstat can assist: feel free to get in touch, or use out contact page to organize an appointment which suits your timetable.

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