check before: 2025-09-01
Product:
Entra
Platform:
iOS, Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting September 2025, Microsoft Authenticator on iOS will use iCloud and iCloud Keychain for backup and restore, eliminating the need for a Microsoft personal account. This update simplifies setup on new devices, with automatic backup of account names and third-party TOTP credentials. No admin action is required.
Details:
Starting in September 2025, Microsoft Authenticator on iOS will offer a more seamless and secure backup and restore experience using iCloud and iCloud Keychain. This update eliminates the need for a Microsoft personal account to back up account names and third-party TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) credentials, simplifying setup on new devices.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in September 2025 and expect to complete by early October 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-07-09
updated:
2025-07-09
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Backup and Restore Process Change
Users will need to adapt to the new backup process using iCloud instead of a Microsoft account, which may lead to confusion and potential data loss if not properly informed.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
User Experience with Account Setup
The automatic setup of account names may lead to users mistakenly believing all their credentials are backed up, potentially causing issues if they expect to restore other types of credentials.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
Documentation and Communication Needs
Existing documentation will need to be updated to reflect the new backup process, and users must be informed to avoid confusion and support tickets.
- roles: IT Support, Documentation Team
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
Potential Data Management Issues
Users may face challenges in managing their backup settings through iCloud, leading to potential data management issues if they are not familiar with iCloud settings.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
Impact on Security Practices
The change in backup method may alter users' security practices, as they will now rely on iCloud Keychain, which could lead to vulnerabilities if users do not understand the implications.
- roles: End Users, Security Team
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Experience for Account Management
With the transition to iCloud and iCloud Keychain for backup, users will experience a more streamlined setup process when switching devices. This change reduces the complexity of managing multiple accounts and enhances user satisfaction.
- next-steps: Communicate the upcoming changes to users and provide updated documentation on the new backup process. Gather user feedback post-implementation to identify any additional areas for improvement.
- roles: IT Support, User Experience Designers, End Users
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
Improved Security Posture
By utilizing iCloud and iCloud Keychain, the backup and restore process may enhance security due to Apple's robust encryption and security protocols. This can reduce the risk of data breaches related to account management.
- next-steps: Review current security policies to align with the new backup method and ensure compliance with organizational security standards. Conduct training sessions for users on secure practices with iCloud.
- roles: Security Officers, Compliance Managers, IT Administrators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
Reduction in Support Queries
The simplification of the backup process is likely to decrease the number of support queries related to account recovery and setup, allowing IT staff to focus on more critical issues and improving overall efficiency.
- next-steps: Analyze historical support ticket data to estimate potential reductions in queries post-implementation. Adjust IT resource allocation accordingly to optimize support staff deployment.
- roles: IT Support Managers, Help Desk Staff, IT Operations
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/back-up-account-credentials-in-microsoft-authenticator-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40
Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 months ago ago
