Where Does Microsoft Authenticator Store Backups?
Microsoft Authenticator syncs to iCloud on iOS and your Microsoft account on Android. Turn on backup before you need it.
Last updated
Microsoft Authenticator keeps two kinds of data and only one travels well. Personal accounts back up to the cloud once you enable it. Device-bound passkeys and some work accounts stay tied to the old phone by design.
The local folders exist but are a dead end for migration. They need root and hold encrypted blobs. Turn on backup while the old phone still works. That toggle is the entire migration plan.
Where Microsoft Authenticator stores this, by platform
/data/data/com.azure.authenticator
Encrypted sandbox needing root. Cloud backup to your Microsoft account is the restore route. Enable it under Settings before switching phones.
/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/<guid>/ (Authenticator container)
Per-install container. Backs up to iCloud when iCloud backup is on in the app. Same rule: file copies do not restore, the in-app backup does.
Frequently asked questions
How do I restore Microsoft Authenticator on a new phone?
On iOS, sign into the same Apple ID with iCloud Keychain on. On Android, sign into the same Microsoft account and restore during setup. Recovery assumes the backup toggle was on beforehand.
Do work accounts restore the same way?
Yes for personal Microsoft accounts. Work and school accounts often require re-registration by IT policy. Ask your admin before wiping the old phone.
Can I copy the app data folder?
You should not need to. The sandbox paths below are root-gated and encrypted. The cloud backup is the supported copy. File copies across phones do not restore.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.