Microsoft Authenticator Review 2026

Microsoft Authenticator Review: Best for the Microsoft Ecosystem

Is Microsoft Authenticator good? Yes — it is free, and it is the best authenticator for anyone who signs in to Microsoft 365, Outlook or a work or school account, because it adds passwordless sign-in and number-matched push approvals on top of ordinary six-digit codes. It is a weaker fit if you want a desktop app or plan to switch between iPhone and Android, and it no longer fills passwords: Microsoft discontinued Authenticator autofill in mid-August 2025.

Microsoft Authenticator is a free 2FA app that excels within the Microsoft ecosystem while also functioning as a standard TOTP authenticator for any service. Its passwordless sign-in feature for Microsoft accounts is the direction authentication is heading, and number matching protects push approvals against fatigue attacks. For how it ranks against the alternatives, see our best 2FA apps of 2026.

Passwordless Microsoft Sign-In

For Microsoft accounts (personal and work/school), Microsoft Authenticator enables passwordless sign-in. Instead of entering a password and then a 2FA code, you simply approve a push notification and verify with biometrics. This eliminates passwords entirely for Microsoft services, reducing phishing risk.

Number Matching

When using push-based MFA for Azure AD / Entra ID, Microsoft Authenticator requires number matching: the login screen displays a two-digit number that you must enter in the app before approving. This prevents MFA fatigue attacks where attackers send repeated push notifications hoping for accidental approval. It is fatigue-resistant rather than fully phishing-resistant — for that, a hardware security key is the stronger option (see our YubiKey review). Cisco's Duo uses the same idea under the name Verified Duo Push; our Duo Security review covers it.

Standard TOTP Support

Beyond Microsoft-specific features, the app functions as a standard TOTP authenticator compatible with any service that supports Google Authenticator or similar apps. Adding accounts is simple via QR code scanning, and codes are displayed clearly with countdown timers.

Cloud Backup

Microsoft Authenticator supports cloud backup of your 2FA accounts. On iOS, backup needs iCloud Drive, iCloud Keychain and iCloud Backup switched on. On Android, backup is stored in a personal Microsoft account — and Microsoft's support page says that from January 2027 Android backup moves to Google One instead. Microsoft is explicit that backups only restore on the same kind of device: accounts backed up on an iPhone cannot be restored on an Android phone, or vice versa. If you are changing phones, our guide to moving 2FA to a new phone walks through it.

What Happened to Password Autofill?

Authenticator used to double as a basic password manager. That is over: Microsoft's own Authenticator FAQ states that "Autofill on Microsoft Authenticator was discontinued in mid-August 2025," and saved passwords are now stored and managed in Microsoft Edge. If you relied on it, you now need Edge's password manager or a dedicated one — see our password manager reviews.

Pricing

Completely free with no premium tiers. Download Microsoft Authenticator from your app store.

Final Verdict

Microsoft Authenticator is the clear choice for users and organisations in the Microsoft ecosystem. Passwordless sign-in and number matching are genuinely useful security features. As a standard TOTP authenticator it is competent but lacks a desktop app and cross-platform backup. If you do not live in Microsoft's world, compare it with our Google Authenticator review or Authy vs Google Authenticator. Microsoft Authenticator is a solid, free 2FA option.

Backup and autofill details checked 30 September 2026 against Microsoft Support: "Back up account credentials in Microsoft Authenticator" and "Common questions about the Microsoft Authenticator app".

Frequently asked questions

Is Microsoft Authenticator good?

Yes, especially for Microsoft users. It offers passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts, standard TOTP codes for any service, number matching that resists push-fatigue attacks, and cloud backup. It lacks a desktop app, its backups cannot move between iPhone and Android, and it no longer autofills passwords.

Does Microsoft Authenticator cost money?

No. Microsoft Authenticator is free to download and use, with no premium tier, for personal and work accounts alike.

Does Microsoft Authenticator still autofill passwords?

No. Microsoft's Authenticator FAQ says autofill was discontinued in mid-August 2025. Saved passwords are now managed in Microsoft Edge. The app still generates 2FA codes and approves Microsoft sign-ins.

Can I move Microsoft Authenticator from iPhone to Android?

Not with a backup. Microsoft states that accounts backed up on an iOS device cannot be restored on an Android device, and the same applies the other way round. You need to re-add each account on the new phone, which is why keeping your recovery codes matters.

What do Microsoft Authenticator reviews say?

Reviews generally rate it highly for the Microsoft ecosystem, thanks to passwordless sign-in and number matching. The usual drawbacks are the lack of a desktop app, platform-locked backups and the loss of password autofill in 2025.