How do I remove the Authenticator from another phone?

Lost Your Old Phone? Detaching Microsoft Authenticator Without Access

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a vital layer of security to your online accounts, but it can present a challenge when you upgrade or lose a device. If you’ve switched to a new phone and no longer have access to your old one, which is still listed as a 2FA method for your Microsoft account, don’t panic. Removing the old authenticator is straightforward, even without the original device.

Here’s how to detach Microsoft Authenticator from a phone you no longer possess:

1. Access your Microsoft account security settings: On any device with internet access, open a web browser and navigate to account.microsoft.com/security. Sign in with the Microsoft account you need to modify.

2. Navigate to “Advanced security options”: Once logged in, locate the “Advanced security options” section. This area houses the controls for managing your 2FA methods.

3. Review your security info: Under “Additional security verification,” you’ll find a list of the registered methods Microsoft uses to verify your identity. This list will include phone numbers, email addresses, and authenticator apps linked to specific devices.

4. Identify and remove the old authenticator: Carefully examine the listed methods. You should see an entry representing the authenticator app on your old phone. It might be identified by the phone’s partial model number or a generic “Authenticator app” label. Select the option to remove this specific authenticator.

5. Confirm the removal: Microsoft may ask you to confirm your decision by sending a verification code to another registered method (like your current phone or email address). This extra step ensures that only you can make this change. Enter the code to finalize the removal.

Once completed, your old phone will no longer be recognized as a valid 2FA method for your Microsoft account. You can now rely on your new phone or other chosen methods for secure logins.

Important Considerations:

• Recovery Codes: If you generated recovery codes when setting up 2FA, keep them safe. These codes can be lifesavers if you lose access to all your registered verification methods.
• Alternative Verification Methods: Ensure you have at least two reliable verification methods active. This provides redundancy in case one method becomes unavailable.
• Account Security: Regularly review your security settings to stay on top of your registered devices and methods.

By following these steps, you can easily manage your Microsoft Authenticator and maintain a secure account, even when transitioning between devices.