Removed authenticator account

Question

Removed authenticator account

Hunter Johnson 5

I removed an account from my authenticator without making a backup. I still have access to my email and password for that account, but now I am locked out because my authenticator is not linked. Can I link my accounts again?

Carolyne-3676 1,136 Reputation points

2026-07-02T10:29:06.07+00:00

Hello Johnson! If it's a Microsoft account: Sign in at https://account.microsoft.com (https://account.microsoft.com) with your email and password, use an alternative verification method (SMS, backup email) when prompted for MFA, then go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup (https://aka.ms/mfasetup) to re-register Microsoft Authenticator from scratch.

If it's a third-party account (Google, Instagram, etc.): Log into that service using a backup code or alternative verification if available, then navigate to that service's security/2FA settings and set up Authenticator again by scanning a new QR code. If you have no alternative method, you'll need to contact that service's support to reset your 2FA.

Your answer

Carolyne-3676 1,136 Reputation points

2026-07-02T10:29:06.07+00:00

Hello Johnson! If it's a Microsoft account: Sign in at https://account.microsoft.com (https://account.microsoft.com) with your email and password, use an alternative verification method (SMS, backup email) when prompted for MFA, then go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup (https://aka.ms/mfasetup) to re-register Microsoft Authenticator from scratch.

If it's a third-party account (Google, Instagram, etc.): Log into that service using a backup code or alternative verification if available, then navigate to that service's security/2FA settings and set up Authenticator again by scanning a new QR code. If you have no alternative method, you'll need to contact that service's support to reset your 2FA.