- Microsoft MFA: How to Backup Accounts in the Microsoft Authenticator App

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Overview:

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) protects the personal information of users by requiring additional approval from a registered device when accessing private information or resources, such as email. Instead of just using a password to log in, MFA keeps your data safe by adding extra safety steps.

What is Microsoft MFA and the Microsoft Authenticator App?

Microsoft MFA is required for all Auburn University alumni and retiree email accounts to enhance security and protect user accounts. It is required to access Microsoft 365 resources, both on and off campus. When logging into email, instead of just entering a password, users must approve a phone notification by entering a temporary code from the Microsoft Authenticator App.
To set up Microsoft MFA for alumni and retiree email accounts, users will need to install the Microsoft Authenticator App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Detailed Microsoft Authenticator App setup instructions are available at aub.ie/mfaappkb.
Note: Users located internationally cannot register a Microsoft MFA method on their own. If you are located outside of the United States and need to set up or update MFA, please contact the IT Service Desk at (334) 844-4944 or itservicedesk@auburn.edu.

Why Would I Need to Back Up an Account in the Microsoft Authenticator App?

When you get a new phone, accounts stored in the Microsoft Authenticator App may become disabled, making it difficult to retrieve the push/numerical code required to authenticate and log in to email.
Backing up information on the accounts you have stored in Authenticator allows you to sign in and restore previously saved accounts, making it easy to access email services when you get a new device.
Keep your old phone device until you confirm that you can sign in to the account in the Authenticator app on the new phone.
Note: You can only backup and restore on the same device type: accounts backed up using an iOS device cannot be restored on an Android device.

Back Up Microsoft Authenticator on iOS:

To back up your Authenticator accounts on an iOS device, you need to enable iCloud to use Authenticator and then enable backup in Authenticator.

1. Enable iCloud Drive on your iOS device. Full instructions can be found on this Apple Support Page, or follow the steps below.

- - On your iPhone or iPad, tap Settings > Your Name/Profile > iCloud.
  - Tap Drive (or iCloud Drive), then turn on Sync this (device).

2. Enable iCloud Keychain on your iOS device. Full instructions can be found on this Apple Support Page, or follow the steps below.

- - On your iPhone or iPad, tap Settings > Your Name/Profile > iCloud.
  - Under Saved to iCloud, tap Passwords (in iOS 17 or earlier, tap Passwords and Keychain).
  - Tap Sync this (device) to turn on iCloud Passwords and Keychain.

3. Enable iCloud Backup on your iOS device. Full instructions can be found on this Apple Support Page, or follow the steps below.

- - Connect your device to a WiFi network.
  - On your iPhone or iPad, tap Settings > Your Name/Profile > iCloud.
  - To automatically enable backup, tap iCloud Backup and make sure Back Up This iPhone is toggled on.
  - To manually back up, tap Back Up Now.

4. Tap Settings > Your Name/Profile > iCloud > under Saved to iCloud, tap See All > search for Authenticator and toggle it on.

5. After an account restore, you may be prompted to sign back in to your account.

Back Up Microsoft Authenticator on Android:

To back up your Authenticator accounts on an Android device:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.

2. Open the menu and select Settings.

3. Turn on Cloud Backup.

4. Select a Microsoft personal account where the backup will be stored.

- - Note: If you saved the backup to the wrong account, or need to change the recovery account, delete the existing backup and make a new one.
  - Starting January 2027, you will no longer use your Microsoft personal account to enable backup. You will need to enable "Microsoft Authenticator" from Google one backup. Learn more about backup with Google One.

5. Tap OK.

6. After an account restore, you may be prompted to sign back in to your account.