How to Remove all accounts from Microsoft Authenticator

You remove all accounts from Microsoft Authenticator by deleting the app and then re-installing it, or by manually deleting each account one by one within the app. This process is essential if you’re switching devices or want to ensure no old account information remains accessible.

Microsoft Authenticator is a mobile app that provides two-factor authentication (2FA) services for your Microsoft accounts, helping to secure them with an extra layer of protection beyond just your password.

To start fresh, you’ll simply need to uninstall the application from your current device. If you’re migrating to a new phone, you’ll then install the app on the new device. For a complete reset without switching phones, you can reinstall the app after deleting it.

Why Remove All Accounts?

You might want to remove all accounts for a few reasons. If you’re selling your old phone, you don’t want your accounts on it. Or, if you’re having trouble with the app, a reset can fix things. It’s like giving the app a clean slate.

What Happens When You Remove All Accounts?

When you remove all accounts, the Microsoft Authenticator app goes back to how it was when you first installed it. It’s totally empty. You won’t be able to approve sign-ins using the app until you add accounts back. This action is permanent, so make sure you really want to do it.

Removing All Accounts: The Full Reset

The best way to remove *all* accounts from the Authenticator app is to reset the app completely. This clears out all its data. It’s a bigger step than just removing accounts one by one. It wipes the app clean, making it like new again. The steps are a little different for Android and iPhone.

For Android Users: Clearing App Data

If you have an Android phone, you’ll use your phone’s settings to clear the data for the Authenticator app. This is a great way to reset it.

1. Unlock your Android phone. Find the Settings app. It usually looks like a gear icon.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps (or it might say “Applications” or “App Management”). You’ll see a list of all your apps here.
3. Scroll until you find Authenticator and tap on it.
4. On the Authenticator app’s info screen, look for Storage or Storage & cache and tap it.
5. You’ll see options to manage the app’s storage. Tap on Clear data.
6. A message will pop up asking if you’re sure. Warning: This action is permanent! Tap OK or Confirm to continue.

After this, when you open the Microsoft Authenticator app, it will be like you just downloaded it. There will be no accounts in it.

For iPhone Users: Offloading the App

iPhone users do things a bit differently. You’ll usually “offload” the app. This removes the app but keeps its data. However, to truly reset the Authenticator app, you need to offload it and then reinstall it. Here’s how:

1. Unlock your iPhone. Go to the main Settings app.
2. Tap on General, then tap iPhone Storage.
3. Scroll down the list of apps until you find Authenticator and tap on it.
4. You’ll see an option that says Offload App. Tap this. This removes the app but keeps its data for now.
5. Tip: Offloading removes the app, but the next step is what truly resets it. Don’t skip it!
6. Now, go back to your iPhone’s Home Screen. Find the Authenticator app icon. It might have a small cloud icon next to it. Tap this icon to reinstall the app.
7. Important Warning: Just like on Android, this process removes all accounts and resets the app. There is no going back. Once you reinstall and open the app, it will be empty. Your device won’t be able to verify sign-ins until you add accounts again.

By offloading and then reinstalling, you get the same result as clearing data on Android: a completely fresh Authenticator app.

Summary

Removing all accounts from your Microsoft Authenticator app is straightforward on both Android and iPhone. It involves resetting the app at the system level to clear all its data. This means you won’t be able to approve sign-ins from that device for a while until you add accounts back. It’s a good step for security or when moving to a new phone. Consider backing up your accounts first if you think you might need them later.