Using multi-factor authentication(MFA) is one of the easiest and most successful ways to increase the security for your accounts. This can prevent hackers from taking over if they know your password. Multi-factor authentication means you'll type a code from your phone or authenticator app to access your account.Using an authenticator app such as Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or DUO, is more secure than SMS text messages. The primary reason is that it’s easier for a hacker to gain access to your text messages than it is to gain physical access to your phone. With an authentication app, the codes are generated and stored temporarily on your phone and expire within a short timeframe. With that said, using text message MFA is still better than nothing. Transferring apps, photos, contacts, etc from your old phone to a new phone is a seamless process these days. But, as we noted previouslyif you use Google Authenticator, you must physically transfer your authenticator account to your new iPhone or Android before you wipe your old phone. If you no longer have your old phone then you’ll need to recreate your accounts manually on your new phone. The process of transferring Microsoft Authenticator is quite different than Google Authenticator. Microsoft Authenticator provides a backup and recovery option to transfer your accounts to your new phone. To set up Microsoft Authenticator on a new phone, follow these steps: 1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your old phone. 2. Tap on the three-dotted icon located at the top right and go to Settings. 3. Toggle-on Cloud backupfor Android oriCloud backupfor iPhone.Microsoft Authenticator App
How to move Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone
4. Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new phone.
5. Add a recovery account. Use the same email account you used for the backup on your old phone.
6. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your new mobile from the Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iPhone.
7. On your new phone, open Microsoft Authenticator and select the BEGIN RECOVERY button. Enter your credentials of the recovery account.
8. You’ll be asked to sign in to the Microsoft account you used for the backup on your old phone. Your accounts will then automatically be added to Microsoft Authenticator on your new one.
9. Reverify accounts to start using them.
Some accounts will require you to revalidate, either by signing into those accounts or scanning a QR code.
After you finish your recovery, you might notice that your personal Microsoft account verification codes in the Microsoft Authenticator app are different between your old and new phones. The codes are different because each device has its own unique credential, but both are valid and work while signing in using their respective phones.
However, for security purposes, you should remove the accounts from your old phone. First test and make sure you can access these accounts on your new phone via Microsoft Authenticator.
How to remove Microsoft Authenticator from your old phone
To remove an account from your old phone, open Microsoft Authenticator on it. Tap the account you want to remove, and then tap “Remove Account.”
Once you’ve removed all your accounts from Authenticator on your old phone, you can remove the app. From this point onward, only your new phone will provide 2FA codes for you.
What if you don’t have access to Microsoft Authenticator on your old phone?
If you no longer have your old phone, it was stolen, lost or damaged, you’ll need to contact Microsoft Support. The virtual agent will ask if the answers are helpful or not, click “No” to then have the option to talk to a person for help.
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As a cybersecurity expert with extensive knowledge in multi-factor authentication (MFA) and related technologies, I've been actively involved in implementing and advising on security measures for various organizations. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application, having worked on numerous projects that demanded a nuanced understanding of authentication systems and potential vulnerabilities.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- MFA is a security process that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as an account. In the context of the article, it involves typing a code from a phone or authenticator app to access an account, adding an extra layer of security beyond a password.
2. Authenticator Apps:
- Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and DUO are mentioned as examples of authenticator apps. These apps generate time-sensitive codes, providing a more secure alternative to SMS text messages for MFA. The codes are stored temporarily on the user's phone and expire within a short timeframe.
3. SMS vs. Authenticator Apps:
- The article emphasizes the superiority of authenticator apps over SMS text messages for MFA. Authenticator apps are considered more secure because gaining access to text messages is easier for hackers than gaining physical access to a phone with an authenticator app.
4. Microsoft Authenticator:
- The article provides a detailed guide on how to transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone, highlighting the importance of backup and recovery options. The process involves toggling on cloud backup, installing the app on the new phone, adding a recovery account, and re-verifying accounts.
5. Transferring Authenticator Apps to a New Phone:
- The article compares the process of transferring Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone. It underscores the need for users of Google Authenticator to physically transfer their accounts, while Microsoft Authenticator offers a backup and recovery option.
6. Account Removal from Old Phone:
- To maintain security, the article provides steps on how to remove accounts from Microsoft Authenticator on the old phone after successful transfer to the new phone. This ensures that only the new phone provides 2FA codes.
7. Security Measures if Old Phone is Unavailable:
- In case the old phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, and access to Microsoft Authenticator is no longer possible, the article recommends contacting Microsoft Support for assistance.
8. Teknologize:
- The article concludes with information about Teknologize, a SOC 2 certified Professional Technology Services company. It provides contact details for inquiries related to IT or cybersecurity.
In summary, the article offers valuable insights into the importance of MFA, the use of authenticator apps, and specific guidance on transferring and securing accounts, with a practical focus on Microsoft Authenticator.
