Swapping devices

An Android Microsoft Authenticator backup cannot be restored to an iPhone, so add each account to Authenticator on the iPhone before removing the old Android device.^1^

Authenticator does not transfer “old codes.” Its one-time codes refresh continuously; registering the new iPhone gives it the credentials needed to generate current codes.

Move the accounts while the Android phone still works

Install the latest Microsoft Authenticator on the iPhone, then re-register each account:

Microsoft personal account

1. On a computer, sign in to the Microsoft account Security page.
2. Select Manage how I sign in.
3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify → Use an app.
4. Choose Set up a different Authenticator app, then display the QR code.
5. On the iPhone, open Authenticator and select + → Personal account → Scan a QR Code.
6. Complete the verification test.^2^

Work or school account

1. Sign in to your organization’s Security info page.
2. Select Add sign-in method → Microsoft Authenticator → Add.
3. Continue until the QR code appears.
4. On the iPhone, select + → Work or school account → Scan a QR Code.
5. Approve the test notification.^2^

If registration is blocked or the old Android device is your only sign-in method, contact your organization’s IT administrator. They may need to reset your Authenticator registration or provide another authentication method.

Other accounts, such as Google, Amazon, or Facebook

1. Open that service’s security or two-step-verification settings.
2. Add or replace its authenticator app.
3. Scan the new QR code with the iPhone.
4. Verify that the iPhone’s code works before removing the Android registration.^2^

Before erasing the Android phone

• Test every important account from a separate browser.
• Save any recovery codes offered by each service.
• Add a second recovery method where available.
• Only after successful testing, remove the old Android Authenticator registration from each account and erase the phone.

If the Android phone is already unavailable, use each service’s recovery method—such as a recovery code, email, phone number, or support process—and then register Authenticator again. Cross-platform backup recovery cannot retrieve the Android credentials on iPhone.^1^

References

1. [iOS](https://support.microsoft.com/authenticator/restore-account-credentials-from-microsoft-authenticator#i-see-sign-in-to-restore-your-account-after-restoring-authenticator-accounts)
2. How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator