New Backup Features for Microsoft Authenticator on iOS

Discover the game-changing backup features in Microsoft Authenticator for iOS, designed to enhance your security and convenience.

Seamless Backup Experience with iCloud and iCloud Keychain

Starting in September 2025, Microsoft Authenticator on iOS will revolutionize your backup experience by integrating with iCloud and iCloud Keychain. This enhancement means that the backup and restore process will be more seamless and secure than ever before. Users will no longer need a Microsoft personal account to back up their account names and third-party TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) credentials.

This integration simplifies the setup on new devices, making it easier for users to transition without losing critical data. With iCloud and iCloud Keychain, your account names for all accounts in the Authenticator app—including work or school accounts, Microsoft personal accounts, and non-Microsoft accounts like Amazon and Google—will be securely backed up, ensuring a smooth restoration process.

Effortless Setup on New iOS Devices

One of the significant benefits of this update is the effortless setup it offers when you get a new iOS device. Users with iCloud and iCloud Keychain enabled will see their account names automatically appear in the Authenticator app upon setting up their new device. This means you can sign in and complete the setup without needing a Microsoft account, provided you are using iOS version 16.0 or later.

This streamlined process eliminates the hassle of manually entering account information, reducing the time and effort required to get your new device up and running with all your essential accounts.

No More Microsoft Personal Account for Backups

Previously, backing up your account names and credentials in Microsoft Authenticator required a Microsoft personal account. With the new update, this requirement is removed, simplifying the backup process. Now, all backups will be handled solely through iCloud and iCloud Keychain.

This change not only simplifies the backup process but also centralizes your data management, making it easier to control your backups through iCloud settings on your device. Users can also disable backup at any time via these settings, providing greater flexibility and control over their data.

Enhanced Security for All Your Accounts

Security remains a top priority with this update. By leveraging iCloud and iCloud Keychain, Microsoft Authenticator ensures that your account names and third-party TOTP credentials are securely backed up. This method provides robust protection against unauthorized access, maintaining the integrity of your data.

While only account names and third-party TOTP credentials are included in the backup, this focused approach minimizes potential security risks and ensures that sensitive information is handled with the utmost care.

Important Changes and Compliance Considerations

This update brings some important changes and compliance considerations. Notably, the backup process will no longer store new customer data; it simply changes how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed. Backup is now exclusively managed via iCloud and iCloud Keychain instead of requiring a Microsoft account.

Users will also have more control over their data, as they can now manage backup data through iCloud settings without needing a Microsoft account. It's essential to notify your users about these changes and update any relevant documentation to reflect the new backup process.

10 Reasons You Should be Using Microsoft Authenticator

1. Seamless integration with iCloud and iCloud Keychain for easy backups.

2. Effortless setup on new iOS devices without a Microsoft account.

3. Enhanced security for your account names and third-party TOTP credentials.

4. Simplified backup process without the need for a Microsoft personal account.

5. Centralized data management through iCloud settings.

6. Secure backup of work, school, and non-Microsoft accounts.

7. Ability to disable backups anytime through iCloud settings.

8. Robust protection against unauthorized access.

9. Streamlined transition when upgrading to a new iOS device.

10. Continuous improvements and updates to enhance user experience.