Your Microsoft or non-Microsoft accounts include content that is important to you. So, suddenly finding yourself locked up can be incredibly frustrating. Even more when the account contains your important contacts, emails, messages, chats, etc. To avoid such nasty cases, use the Microsoft Authenticator app to back up your credentials .
The Microsoft Authenticator app stores recovery information that can be extremely helpful in regaining access to your account if you get locked out. Also, it can save you from having to recreate accounts. Before you choose to back up your credentials, make sure you have a personal Microsoft account to act as your recovery account. For iOS only, you need an iCloud account for the actual storage location.
The Microsoft Authenticator app allows you to securely sign in to your accounts through the two-factor authentication (TFA) process, without having to add a password.
To use the Microsoft Authenticator app to back up your credentials, the first thing you need to do is turn on cloud backup for iOS or Android devices.
To do this, launch the Authenticator app on your iOS or Android device and select Settings .
Next, select Backup, then enable iCloud Backup for iOS or Cloud Backup for Android to save your account credentials. Make sure the account you're recovering doesn't exist in the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Now, to retrieve your credentials on another device, launch the Authenticator app. When prompted, press the Start Recovery button at the bottom of the screen.
Sign in to your recovery account using the personal Microsoft account you used during the backup process. Your account credentials will be retrieved on the new device.
To add more verification for work or school accounts, go to Accounts the Microsoft Authenticator app screen.
Next, tap the account you want to recover to open the account's full-screen view.
Then in the full-screen view, tap the option to scan a QR code to fully recover.
If you're having account-related issues, make sure you're properly logged into your account. For example, on an iOS device like the iPhone or iPad, make sure you're signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID as your iPhone.
The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign in to your accounts using two-factor verification. It's a more convenient way to log in and use your accounts securely because it doesn't require you to enter a password manually. Passwords are at risk of being forgotten, stolen or compromised.
