Summary
- Microsoft Authenticator for Android is gaining an improved backup and restore setup experience with guidance tailored to whether users still have their old device.
- Users will also see guidance for using Authenticator passkeys for cross-device sign-in.
- Backup and restore remains limited to personal Android profile installs; Authenticator installs in an Android work profile are still not backed up.
- To use the restore experience on a new Android device, users must enable Google One backup and screen lock.
- No admin configuration is required, but organizations may want to inform users about the updated setup flow.
Primary Service: Entra
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Low
Release Start: 15 Jan 2027
Release End: 15 Jan 2027
Services: Entra
Category: Stay informed
Tags: Admin Action, Feature Update, User Adoption
History
10/27/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
We’re improving the backup and restore experience in Microsoft Authenticator for Android. When setting up Authenticator on a new device, users will receive guidance tailored to whether they still have access to their previous device. They will also receive guidance on using Authenticator passkeys for cross-device sign-in. This experience is already available on iOS.
To use backup and restore on a new Android device, users must enable Google One backup and screen lock.
Rollout schedule
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, and DoD): Beginning in mid-January 2027 and expected to complete in mid-January 2027
Impact on your organization
Who is affected
Users of Microsoft Authenticator on Android
Platforms and services
Microsoft Authenticator for Android
What will happen
- When setting up Authenticator on a new Android device, users will see clearer guidance based on whether they still have access to their previous device.
- Users will receive guidance for using Authenticator passkeys for cross-device sign-in.
- Work or school accounts are not backed up. This is not changing.
- Backup will continue to support TOTP credentials for Microsoft personal accounts and third-party accounts.
- Users must enable Google One backup and screen lock to use this backup and restore experience.
- Backup and restore is supported only when Microsoft Authenticator is installed in the Android personal profile. It is not supported when Authenticator is installed in an Android work profile.
Action required and recommendations
No admin action is required.
Organizations may choose to inform users about the updated restore experience on Android devices.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.