FAQs
Firstly, go to your phone's app store (like the App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android) and download the Microsoft Authenticator app again. Once you've got the app back, you'll need to add your accounts to it again.
What happens if I delete the Authenticator app? ›
In a situation where you lose access to your authenticator app either due to the loss of your mobile device or the app was uninstalled for any reason, this will cause you to lose your code on your authenticator app.
How can I recover my deleted Authenticator account? ›
As long as you've updated Google Authenticator and it's connected to your Google account, you can restore Authenticator from the cloud. If you aren't backing up Authenticator, you can manually transfer your accounts to a new device or restore using your QR code.
How do I regain access to Microsoft Authenticator app? ›
On your mobile device, open Authenticator, and select Begin recovery. Important: Select the Begin recovery link before signing in. Sign in to your recovery account using the personal Microsoft account you used during the backup process. Your account credentials are recovered to the new device.
Is there a way to reset the Microsoft Authenticator app? ›
Basically, to reset your Authenticator app, you need to follow these steps with the admin credentials:
- Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center and sign in with your admin credentials.
- Click on Users > Active users.
- Select your user account and click on Reset multi-factor authentication under More settings.
a. Firstly, go to your phone's app store (like the App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android) and download the Microsoft Authenticator app again. b. Once you've got the app back, you'll need to add your accounts to it again.
How do I add my account back to authenticator? ›
Tap the "+" (add) button to add a new account. Choose "Work or school account."Scan the QR code provided on the office.com login screen if available. If there is no QR code, you can manually enter your account details. Complete the setup, and your Microsoft account should be re-added to the Authenticator app.
How do I reinstall the Authenticator app? ›
Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication App - Install or Reinstall...
- Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. When prompted, ALLOW Camera Access and Notifications.
- From a PC or MAC computer, go to the My Sign-Ins page.
- Select + Add method -> Authenticator app. Then, select the Add button.
Recover an account
- Sign in to your Google Admin console. ...
- In the Admin console, go to Menu Directory. ...
- Click the user you want in the list. ...
- Click Security.
- Click 2-step verification. ...
- Click Get Backup Verification Codes.
- Copy one of the verification codes.
- Send the backup code to the user in an IM or text message.
How to recover Microsoft Authenticator
- Check if you have a backup. This makes the recovery process much easier.
- Reinstall the app. Get it from your device's app store. ...
- Open the app. You may need to create an account if it's your first time.
- Initiate recovery. ...
- Verify identity. ...
- Restore accounts.
You can try this steps:
- Open Recover your account (live.com).
- Enter your email address that you are trying to recover.
- Select to receive verification code to your phone number or email, then you will be asked to enter your alternate email address or the last 4 digit of your phone number.
Make sure your device is up to date, and that any other security apps (such as Microsoft Defender and Intune Company Portal) are also up to date. Make sure the device's Date & time are correct too. If you're using VPN, try disconnecting to see if the issue persists.
How do I unlock my Microsoft Authenticator account? ›
How to Unlock Microsoft Authenticator
- First, open the app on your device.
- Then, tap the account you want to unlock.
- Authenticate yourself using the verification method you set up, like a fingerprint or PIN.
- Once verified, you'll have access to your account.
To remove the app from a device using a personal Microsoft account, go to the two-step verification area of your Account Security page and choose to turn off verification for your old device.
Where does Microsoft Authenticator back up to? ›
Microsoft Authenticator backs up your account credentials and related app settings, such as the order of your accounts, to the cloud. You can then use the app to recover your information on a new device, potentially avoiding getting locked out or having to recreate accounts.
How to get a QR code for Authenticator app? ›
Here are the steps on how to make a QR code for your account to use in Authenticator:
- Go to the Google Account Security page.
- Click on "2-Step Verification".
- Under the "Authenticator App" section, click on "Setup".
- Choose your device type (Android, iPhone) and click on "Next" to reveal a QR code.
Do I need an authenticator app? An authenticator app helps you to improve your online security by adding two-factor logins to any accounts you connect to the authenticator. This makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts, so we highly recommend using an authenticator app and two-factor authentication.
Can I deactivate my authenticator app? ›
Disable authenticator app - user side
Enter your password and code on the app, and then click Deactivate. A message displays confirming the feature has been deactivated.
What if I don't want to use authenticator app? ›
4 answers
- Sign in to the Azure portal as a global administrator or security administrator.
- Go to Azure Active Directory > Security > MFA.
- Under MFA settings, select Additional cloud-based MFA settings.
- Under service settings, select Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Change the setting to Disabled.
Your account is more secure when you need a password and a verification code to sign in. If you remove this extra layer of security, you will only be asked for a password when you sign in. It might be easier for someone to break into your account.
