Switching to a new phone can be a smooth experience if you prepare by securing your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) credentials. Using the Microsoft Authenticator app, you can back up and restore your MFA setup across devices, minimizing disruptions and ensuring you retain access to your accounts. Here’s a guide to safely transfer your MFA settings to a new device and securely back up your credentials.

Backup Your MFA Credentials in Microsoft Authenticator

Before setting up MFA on a new phone, backing up your Microsoft Authenticator app on the old device is essential. This feature allows you to securely store your credentials, making it easy to restore them when moving to a new phone or switching between iOS and Android devices.

Backing Up on iOS Devices

1. Microsoft Account Prerequisite: Ensure you have a personal Microsoft account (e.g., @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, @live.com).
2. Open Authenticator App: Access the Microsoft Authenticator app on your iOS device.
3. Access Settings: Tap the three-line menu icon and select Settings.
4. Enable iCloud Backup: Under the Backup section, toggle on iCloud Backup.
5. Sign In: Enter your Microsoft account email and password, authenticating if prompted.
6. Confirm Backup: When the backup toggle is enabled, your account will appear under it, confirming that the backup is active.

Note: If you replace or lose your iOS device, you can restore your credentials on a new device by signing in to Microsoft Authenticator with the same Microsoft account used for the backup.

Backing Up on Android Devices

1. Microsoft Account Prerequisite: Ensure you have a personal Microsoft account (e.g., @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, @live.com).
2. Open Authenticator App: Access the Microsoft Authenticator app on your Android device.
3. Access Settings: Tap the three-line menu icon and select Settings.
4. Enable Cloud Backup: In the Backup section, toggle on Cloud Backup.
5. Sign In: If prompted, enter your Microsoft account email and password.
6. Confirm Backup: The enabled toggle confirms that your credentials are securely backed up.
   
   

Note: If switching between iOS and Android devices, you can restore your MFA setup by signing into the Microsoft Authenticator app on the new device using the same Microsoft account.

Transferring MFA to Your New Phone

After backing up your credentials, follow these steps to transfer your MFA setup to a new phone:

1. Log into Your Microsoft Account:
   • Visit myaccount.microsoft.com and sign in.
   • Authenticate with MFA on your current phone.
2. Access Security Info:
   • Go to Security info from the left-hand menu.
3. Add a New Sign-In Method:
   • Click Add sign-in method and select Authenticator app.
4. Set Up Authenticator on Your New Device:
   • Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
   • Open the app, tap the + button (or Add account if it’s your first time), then select Work or School account.
   • Scan the QR code displayed on your computer to link the new device.
5. Verify Your New Phone:
   • Complete the verification process on your new device to confirm that MFA is now set up on it.
6. Remove Your Old Device:
   • Go back to Security info and delete your old device if no longer needed.
7. Test Your New Setup:
   • Log out and log back in to ensure your MFA is functioning correctly on the new device.

Lost or Broken Phone?

If you’ve lost your phone or it’s no longer functional and you can’t access your MFA,?

Submit a support request with full details or visit any Customer Support Desk. 

Customer Support Desk Locations can be viewed on our DTS site here:

By ensuring you back up your Microsoft Authenticator data before device changes, you protect your access and streamline the MFA transfer process across new devices.