Q. I’m planning to change my smartphone. Is there a backup or transfer method for the Microsoft Authenticator app that I should follow before switching devices?
A. It is possible to transfer the Authenticator app itself, but the app and the registered account information will be reset.
*From January 2025, the name "Microsoft 365" was changed to "Microsoft 365 Copilot".
【When disposing of your smartphone after upgrading to a new model.】
Before changing your smartphone, we recommend switching your "default authentication method" to SMS verification via your phone number.
(This allows you to sign in to your organization account using your phone number when the smartphone is returned, and then set up authentication with the Authenticator app.)
The operation procedure is as follows.
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Copilot home. Click the user icon at the bottom left of the screen, then click "View account".
- From "Security info", change the default sign-in method to "Phone - Text".
If your phone number is not registered, you can add it by selecting "Add sign-in method".
After completing this step, a sign-in code will be sent to you via SMS.
After changing your device, go to "Security info" and set up authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app under "Update info".
Then, change the default sign-in method back to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Reference: How to add multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods to your THERS account.
【 If you still have your previous smartphone after changing device.】
The operation procedure is as follows.
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Copilot home.
- Sign in by authenticating with the Microsoft Authenticator app on your old smartphone.
- Please follow the instructions in the article below to change your authentication method.
Reference: To transfer the current Microsoft Authenticator settings to another mobile device due to a device change, refer to the following procedure.