Getting a new phone? Move your sign-in app first

Before you switch

1. Keep the old phone working until you are done. Do not wipe it, trade it in or let the shop keep it yet.
2. Check which accounts use an authenticator app: work Microsoft 365, banking, payroll, any others.
3. Back up or transfer the app, if it supports that. Some authenticator apps can transfer accounts to a new phone or restore from a cloud backup. Check the app’s own instructions.
4. Find your recovery codes for personal accounts that offered them, usually stored in a password manager.

Move each account

For your work account, sign in to your Microsoft account security page on a computer, add the authenticator app on the new phone as a sign-in method, and test it. Then remove the old phone.

Repeat for other important accounts. Each service has its own settings page for this.

Already switched and locked out?

• For your work account, call your IT provider. They can verify who you are and let you register the new phone. Expect them to check; that protects you too.
• For personal accounts, use the service’s recovery process. It can take a few days for security reasons.

Last step

When everything works on the new phone, remove the old phone from your accounts and wipe it before you give it away.