MC1423108 - (Updated) Microsoft Entra: Improved restore experience for Authenticator passkeys on iOS

Microsoft 365 Message Center announcement MC1423108.

Microsoft Summary

Microsoft Entra improves the iOS Microsoft Authenticator app's passkey restore experience with a clearer, guided flow for device migration, launching worldwide mid-September 2026. It affects iOS users with iCloud backup, requires no action, and includes updated user guidance without policy changes.

Message Center ID
MC1423108
Category
plan For Change
Severity
normal
Services
Microsoft Entra
Tags
Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Published
2026-07-10
Last updated
2026-09-01
Expires
2026-10-26

Updated September 1, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. [What and Why] We are improving the restore experience for device-bound passkeys in the Microsoft Authenticator app on iOS . This update provides a clearer and more guided restore flow when users move to a new device. It also improves user understanding of cross-device sign-in with passkeys. This update is designed to reduce friction during device migration while maintaining strong security protections. [Rollout Schedule] General Availability (Worldwide): Mid-September 2026 (previously August) [Impact on Your Organization] Who is affected Users with iOS devices who use Microsoft Authenticator with passkeys Users restoring Authenticator on a new iOS device Platforms/Services iOS Microsoft Authenticator Microsoft Entra What will happen This change applies to iOS devices only . Android is not included in this release and will be supported later. Users with iCloud and iCloud Keychain backup enabled , and passkeys stored on their previous device , will see the updated experience during device restore . Users restoring Authenticator on a new device will see an updated restore experience. The restore flow will include: A new user interface that guides users based on whether they are setting up a new device or restoring from an existing one Improved guidance for using Authenticator passkeys with cross-device sign-in The feature is enabled by default . No changes to existing admin configurations or policies. [Action Required/Recommendations] No action is required. Consider the following recommendations: Inform users about the improved restore experience on iOS devices. Update internal helpdesk documentation if you provide guidance for device migration or Authenticator restore scenarios. [Compliance considerations] No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.