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 replacing your device, we recommend making sure that authentication via your phone number (SMS) is available.
Even if you can no longer use the Microsoft Authenticator app due to replacing your device, you can sign in to your THERS account using an SMS authentication code sent to your registered phone number.
The operation procedure is as follows.
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Copilot home, click the profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen (the circular icon displaying your name or initials), and select "View account."
Or, access the following URL directly to display the "My Account" page.
https://myaccount.microsoft.com/ - Open "Security info."
- If “Phone” is not registered, register a phone number from “Add a sign-in method.”
By making the above settings, even if you cannot use the Microsoft Authenticator app during authentication, you will be able to select “Sign in another way,” receive an SMS authentication code, and sign in.
After changing devices, set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on the new device.
You can make the settings from the “Security info” screen in My Account.
After completing the setup, use Microsoft Authenticator as a sign-in method as needed.
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.