Security Tips: Backup Authenticator – Tech Tip for July 18, 2025

In this week’s tech tip, we take another close look at how Microsoft Authenticator is evolving into more than just an app for approving sign-ins. It’s on its way to becoming a passkey manager, helping you store and sync secure credentials across devices—no passwords required. If you already use Authenticator at work, a few small changes, including setting personal passkeys and backing up your app data now will get you ready for what’s coming next. Let’s dive in!

What’s Changing in Authenticator?

Microsoft is turning Authenticator into a tool that will eventually:

• Act as a Passkey Manager tied to your Microsoft account.
• Support Autofill of passkeys across websites and apps.
• Sync Passkeys securely between your phone and other devices.
• Phase Out Password Storage and Autofill Features (already in progress).

This is part of Microsoft’s larger move toward a passwordless future. The Authenticator app will help make that shift smoother and more secure.

Important Microsoft Dates to Remember

If you’ve been using Microsoft Authenticator to save or autofill passwords, take note of these upcoming changes:

• Starting June 2025: You will no longer be able to add or import new passwords in the Microsoft Authenticator app.
• During July 2025: You’ll lose access to password autofill within the app.
• From August 2025: All saved passwords will be removed from Authenticator and no longer accessible.

This marks Microsoft’s full transition away from passwords in the app—toward a passkey-first future.

Backup Microsoft Authenticator to the Cloud

Authenticator’s new features are rolling out gradually, but a few quick steps will make sure you’re ready on your mobile device. Following the steps below can also assist if you ever lose your device or need to replace your current one.

• Open the ‘Microsoft Authenticator’ app.
• Login with your device ‘PIN’ when prompted.
• Tap your account and make sure it’s fully set up.
• From the main app menu ‘’ select ‘Settings.’
• Under Backup, select the toggle for ‘iCloud’ Backup.
• Sign in with a personal account to enable Cloud sync.
• Keep your app updated from the App Store or Google Play.
• Once new passkey features arrive, you’ll see new options to manage them right inside the app.

TIP: If your Authenticator backup is linked to the wrong account or if you need to switch the recovery account, delete the current backup, and create a new one using the correct account.

By taking a few minutes to set things up now, you’ll be ready for what’s next with Microsoft Authenticator. Staying current with updates and security best practices helps protect both your personal and business accounts—giving you confidence that your information is safe, synced, and ready when you need it.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about Microsoft Security and Authentication? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you make the most of your Microsoft tools.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

• Put a plan in place to upgrade to Windows 11:
  • Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.
• Maximize your organization’s Security with Secure Score and MFA:
  • Get to know your Secure Score—your essential tool for proactive threat management.
  • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent cyberthreats.
• Give your business a productivity boost with Microsoft Copilot:
  • Get started with Copilot consulting services to organize and secure your data, while also training you and your team.
• Contact TechWise Group to get started or to put a plan in place.