What Happens to Your Microsoft Authenticator Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Urgency
Critical — controls access to other accounts
Cloud Backup
Available via Microsoft account
Passwordless
May be used for passwordless sign-in
Work Accounts
May include employer SSO accounts
Step-by-Step Guide
Keep the phone active and charged
Microsoft Authenticator codes are on the phone. Do not reset or erase it. The phone is the key to all accounts using this app for 2FA.
Check for cloud backup
Microsoft Authenticator can back up credentials to iCloud (iOS) or a Microsoft account (Android). If backup was enabled, credentials can be restored to a new device.
Handle work/employer accounts separately
If Microsoft Authenticator includes work accounts (Entra ID/Azure AD), contact the deceased's employer IT department for those accounts.
Contact platforms for 2FA removal
For each locked account, contact the platform's support with a death certificate to request 2FA removal or alternative verification.
Document Now Checklist
- Phone the app is installed on
- Cloud backup enabled (yes/no)
- Microsoft account email
- List of accounts using this for 2FA
- Work/employer accounts included (yes/no)
Save this to your vault
When you document your accounts in Passed Plan, your family gets a personalized action plan — with only the guides that apply to them, in the right order, with your notes attached.
Start your vault — free for 30 daysLast verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Microsoft Authenticator. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
What is 2FA?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single biggest barrier families face when accessing accounts after death. If 2FA is enabled on an account and nobody has the authenticator device or backup codes, the account may be permanently inaccessible.
Google Authenticator
Open Google Authenticator → tap your profile icon → turn on sync. This backs up your 2FA codes to your Google account so they survive phone loss.
Authy
Settings → Devices → Allow multi-device. This lets you add Authy to multiple phones or tablets. If multi-device is off and the phone is lost, recovery is extremely difficult.
Protect your Microsoft Authenticator account — and all your others
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