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Microsoft Authenticator
What it is
Microsoft Authenticator is a free app for iOS and Android that helps verify sign-ins. It can provide one-time password codes, approve sign-in requests on a phone, and support passwordless sign-in. Microsoft Entra users can also use device-bound passkeys for passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication. The app supports Microsoft personal, work, and school accounts as well as other accounts, although push notifications are available for Microsoft accounts rather than third-party accounts such as Google or Facebook. Verification codes work without internet or mobile data; sign-in notifications and responses need an internet connection. Passkeys use Apple Secure Enclave on iOS or hardware-backed storage on Android where supported. Microsoft documents FIPS 140-compliant cryptography for Microsoft Entra authentication on supported devices and app versions. If location is used for an access policy, the country name may be stored and reported to an IT admin; Microsoft says actual coordinates are not saved on its servers. The app is designed for smartphones and is not available for PC or Mac. Authenticator autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025.
For and against
For
- Provides one-time password codes and sign-in approvals
- Verification codes work without internet or mobile data
- Supports device-bound passkeys for Microsoft Entra users
- Available for iOS and Android
Against
- Push notifications do not work for third-party accounts
- Sign-in notifications and responses require internet access
- Not available for PC or Mac
- Autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025
The verdict
Microsoft Authenticator covers code-based verification, phone approvals, and passkeys for Microsoft Entra users. Consider its smartphone-only availability and the distinction between offline codes and internet-dependent sign-in notifications.
Who it suits
Authenticator suits people who want to verify sign-ins from an iOS or Android phone, including Microsoft Entra users who can use device-bound passkeys. It is not an option for PC or Mac.
Plans and prices
Microsoft Authenticator
Mobile app · iOS and Android
Read 11 Oct 2026 · support.microsoft.com
On the record
- Account types
- Authenticator supports Microsoft personal, work, school, and other accounts.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Autofill retirement
- Authenticator autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025, and the Microsoft Autofill Chrome extension was retired on December 14, 2024.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Code type
- totpsupport.microsoft.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Desktop availability
- Microsoft says Authenticator is not available for PC or Mac and is designed for smartphones.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- FIPS support
- Microsoft documents FIPS 140-compliant cryptography for Microsoft Entra authentications on supported iOS and Android devices and app versions.learn.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Location information
- When location is used for access policy, the country name may be stored and reported to an IT admin, while Microsoft says actual coordinates are not saved on its servers.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Multi-device sync
- Nosupport.microsoft.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Offline codes
- Verification codes do not require an internet or data connection, while sign-in notifications and responses do require an internet connection.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Passkeys
- Microsoft Entra users can use device-bound passkeys in Authenticator for passwordless, phishing-resistant sign-in.learn.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Passwordless sign-in
- The app can verify sign-ins, provide one-time password codes, or let users approve sign-ins on their phone.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Push approvals
- Yessupport.microsoft.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Security storage
- Authenticator passkeys are device-bound and use Apple Secure Enclave on iOS or Android hardware-backed storage where supported.learn.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Microsoft's FAQ directs users whose questions are unanswered to the Microsoft Authenticator community forum.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- iOS,Androidsupport.microsoft.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Third-party notifications
- Push notifications work for Microsoft personal and work or school accounts, but not third-party accounts such as Google or Facebook.support.microsoft.com · read 11 Oct 2026
