How to move Authenticator to my new phone

Chris Hernandez 0 Reputation points
2026-11-06T13:12:57.6566667+00:00

I had to get a new phone and now I can not log into my work apps because it is sending the code to my old phone which I don’t have

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. Daniel-Vo 7,980 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-07T11:16:21.8433333+00:00

    Dear @Chris Hernandez ,

    Good day! Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum!

    First of all, I would like to clarify one point: as a forum moderator, I do not have the authority or the tools to assist you in resolving issues related to your tenant, account details, billing information, or authentication settings on your behalf.

    Based on your description, I understand that you cannot log into your work apps because the Authenticator app sends the code to your old phone which you do not have.

    In this situation, you mentioned work apps, so would you mind letting me know your account is provided by the organization or school?

    If yes, you need to contact your organization's IT administrator. They can reset your MFA methods and require you to register Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone.

    If your account is not from an organization, please let me know.

    Kindly let me know when there are updates or if you need further assistance. Any updates you’re able to share would be really helpful.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-06T13:13:53.4333333+00:00

    Use Sign in another way to authenticate with a backup method and register the new phone; if no alternative method is available, your organization’s IT administrator must require MFA re-registration.

    If another sign-in method is available

    1. On the Microsoft sign-in screen, select Sign in another way or I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now.
    2. Choose an available method, such as a text message, phone call, security key, passkey, or another registered method.
    3. After signing in, open Security info.
    4. Select Add sign-in method → Microsoft Authenticator.
    5. Install and open Authenticator on the new phone, then follow the displayed instructions to scan the QR code and complete a test notification.
    6. After confirming that the new phone works, return to Security info and remove the Authenticator entry associated with the old phone. Users can manage their own methods through Security Info.^1^

    If you cannot pass verification

    Contact your company’s IT help desk and ask them to:

    Require me to re-register for multifactor authentication because I no longer have my old phone.

    An Authentication Administrator can perform this in:

    1. Microsoft Entra admin center → Entra ID → Users.
    2. Select your user account.
    3. Select Authentication methods.
    4. Select Require re-register MFA and confirm.

    This operation removes your registered Authenticator apps, phone numbers, software OATH tokens, and deactivates hardware OATH tokens. At your next sign-in, you will be prompted to configure an authentication method again.^1^

    Install Authenticator on the new phone before completing that prompt, then scan the new QR code when requested.

    Authenticator backup limitation

    Restoring an Authenticator backup does not restore credentials for a work or school account; it restores only the account name. The work account must still be signed in and registered on the new device.^2^

    If the account appears in Authenticator with Action required, open it and select the option to sign in or recover. If that process asks for approval from the unavailable phone and offers no alternate method, the administrator reset above is required.

    If you are the organization’s only administrator

    If no other administrator can reset your MFA and you are completely locked out, contact Microsoft Support for tenant-access recovery and ownership verification.^3^

    References

    1. Manage user authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication
    2. [Android](https://support.microsoft.com/authenticator/restore-account-credentials-from-microsoft-authenticator#what-information-is-restored-in-authenticator)
    3. Unable to log into Authenticator app - Microsoft Q&A
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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