How to get Authenticator working on a new phone

This usually happens because the old Samsung is still the active Authenticator device for push approvals.

Use this path:

1. If the old Samsung is still available, open Microsoft Authenticator on it and approve the sign-in there.
2. After signing in, go to your account Security info page.
3. Find the existing Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator app method that points to the old phone, and remove it.
4. Select Add sign-in method or Add method, then choose Microsoft Authenticator / Authenticator app.
5. On the new iPhone, open Microsoft Authenticator, add the account, and complete the QR code or sign-in setup.
6. Test the new phone by sending a verification prompt.
7. Only after the new iPhone works, remove the old phone entry or old passkeys that are no longer needed.

If this is a work or school account and it was restored from backup, seeing "Sign in to add your account." on the new phone is expected. Open the account in Authenticator and sign in again to complete setup.

If backup did not restore correctly on the new iPhone, check these on the old iPhone source device before transfer: iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain, iCloud Backup, and the Authenticator toggle under Saved to iCloud. Microsoft also states the app should be version 6.8.33 or later, and opening the app once before switching helps. On the new iPhone, uninstalling and reinstalling Authenticator can make the backup appear.

If no other sign-in method is available and the account is tied only to Authenticator, use the old phone if possible. For work or school accounts, contact the IT admin or help desk for the approved recovery or re-registration process.

References:

• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Transfer Microsoft Authenticator account entries to a new phone
• Use a screen reader to set up and troubleshoot multifactor authentication