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How do I recover my Authenticator back up?

Ismail 0 Reputation points
2025-11-12T19:49:30.3233333+00:00

I unfortunately use Microsoft Authenticator as my two-step verification method for the most part. Last week I reset my phone. During the process of trying to recover my back up, I couldn't. It said "unable to recover, check your connection". I tried again, and again, and again. Until, the app let me finally log in only to find that I no longer have any back up. The cloud back up icon in settings is also greyed out and won't turn on. I only want my back up because it's linked to most accounts I have.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-12T19:50:12.8333333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To recover your Microsoft Authenticator backup, ensure that you have a stable internet connection, as the recovery process requires it. If the backup option is greyed out, it might indicate that the backup feature was not enabled before you reset your phone. Unfortunately, if you did not have the cloud backup enabled prior to the reset, it may not be possible to recover your accounts linked to the Authenticator app.

    Here are some steps you can try:

    1. Check Internet Connection: Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data network.
    2. Reinstall the App: Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling the Microsoft Authenticator app can help resolve issues. After reinstalling, try to recover your backup again.
    3. Enable Cloud Backup: If you can access the settings, ensure that the cloud backup option is enabled for future use.
    4. Manual Recovery: If you have recovery codes for your accounts, you can use those to regain access to your accounts directly without the Authenticator app.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance regarding your specific situation.

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