Microsoft Authenticator only restores a backup onto the same kind of phone, so an iPhone backup won't come back on Android, or the reverse. Google Authenticator moves codes through your Google Account.
| Nov 9, 2026 | Google Authenticator | Microsoft Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Backup route | Sync to your Google Account | iCloud on iPhone; Cloud Backup on Android |
| Restore on the other phone type | Sign in to your Google Account in the app; codes sync automatically | No |
| Without an account | Transfer accounts: export, then scan on the new phone | Add the accounts again |
Google's page lists the sync requirement as version 6.0 or later on Android and 4.0 or later on iOS. Deleting a code on one device deletes it on all the others.
To move codes by hand with Google:
- Install Authenticator on the new phone, tap Get Started and sign in to your Google Account.
- On the old phone, open Menu, then Transfer accounts > Export accounts (on Android: Transfer codes > Export codes), and unlock the phone.
- Select the accounts. More than one QR code may appear.
- On the new phone, open the same menu, choose Import accounts (Import codes on Android) and scan each QR code.
What Microsoft's backup holds
One-time password codes for Microsoft personal accounts and third-party accounts such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Passwordless Microsoft accounts keep only the account name, and you sign in again after restoring. Work or school accounts save only the name: you sign in and register them again, and Microsoft says to keep the old phone until you have.
iPhone backup needs iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain and iCloud Backup turned on for Authenticator. Android backup currently goes to a Microsoft personal account through the Cloud Backup toggle. Starting in January 2027, Microsoft says, you will no longer use your personal account to enable backup and will turn on "Microsoft Authenticator" in Google One backup instead.
Sources
- Microsoft Support — Back up one-time password codes in Microsoft Authenticator (checked Nov 9, 2026)
- Microsoft Support — Restore one-time password codes in Microsoft Authenticator (checked Nov 9, 2026)
- Google Account Help — Get verification codes with Google Authenticator (Android and iPhone versions) (checked Nov 9, 2026)