Starting in September, Microsoft will introduce a new backup system for its Authenticator app on iOS. This update eliminates the need for users to sign in with a Microsoft personal account to back up TOTP secrets and account names.
Previously, iOS users were required to use a personal Microsoft account to enable backup features in the app, even when the app was being used for work or enterprise purposes. This created complications for organizations that prefer to keep personal and corporate data separate.
With the new system, backups will be stored in the iCloud account linked to the device. There will no longer be a requirement to sign in with a Microsoft account. For corporate-managed devices using Apple’s managed Apple IDs, those IDs will be used to handle the backup instead of personal Apple accounts.
Microsoft stated that this feature will start rolling out in September and should be available to all users by early October 2025. A notification within the app will alert users when the new experience is available. The feature requires iOS version 16.0 or later, and both iCloud and iCloud Keychain must be enabled on the device.
Once activated, the app will securely back up account names and TOTP credentials to iCloud. When users sign in on a new device using the same Apple ID, the backed-up data will be automatically restored. According to Microsoft, this includes all account types in the Authenticator app, such as Microsoft personal accounts, work or school accounts, and third-party accounts like Amazon and Google.
Microsoft clarified that only TOTP secrets will be backed up. No other types of credentials will be included. Users who prefer not to use the backup feature can turn it off through the iCloud settings on their devices.
The update will be applied automatically, and no action is required from administrators.
This change follows Microsoft's recent decision to remove password autofill and management features from the Authenticator app.
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