Moving authenticator codes between iPhone and Android

Check your codes after moving photos and apps

Photos, contacts and app icons arriving on a new phone do not prove that every authentication credential arrived. Some methods require fresh device approval or organizational registration.

For each important service, note the current method and app. A working password, accessible email and working second factor are three separate checks.

Install your chosen authenticator on the new phone

Read your current authenticator's transfer guide. Microsoft Authenticator backup restoration requires the same device platform, so switching between iOS and Android needs a separate re-registration plan.

Check that the destination app is available in the new phone's official store, then review its sync or import options. Installing it first lets you finish setup while the old phone still works.

Re-enroll at the website if direct transfer is unavailable

Keep a trusted signed-in session and use the service's own procedure to add or replace an authenticator. Support for multiple authenticators varies, so one universal click sequence would be misleading.

Verify the new phone with the service and check whether recovery material needs replacement. Do not wipe the old phone first or share enrollment QRs with supposed migration support.

A final check before clearing the old phone

Move a small set of accounts at a time and mark the result on your inventory. Prioritize valuable accounts without changing every service's security settings simultaneously.

• The new phone passes a service check, not just a visual code check.
• Independent recovery material is accessible.
• Work accounts meet their administrator's registration requirements.
• Retire the old phone only after those checks are complete.