Microsoft Authenticator review
A focused free authenticator for Microsoft accounts and compatible third-party services.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app for signing in to Microsoft personal, work, school, and other accounts. Its core options include passwordless sign-in through approval notifications, multifactor authentication through push notifications, passkeys on supported devices, and time-based one-time password codes. QR-code setup supports Microsoft accounts and compatible third-party services such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon. It is intended for people who want a mobile approval flow alongside code-based authentication, particularly within Microsoft account environments.
The free plan covers the product’s main authentication functions: passwordless sign-in, multifactor authentication, and one-time verification codes. The published feature set also includes biometric or device-PIN verification, device registration for work or school accounts, and cloud backup and restore for supported account data. Microsoft Authenticator therefore offers a broad set of sign-in methods without a paid tier or upgrade path to evaluate. Passkey support is available on supported Android and iOS devices, while account setup can be handled by scanning QR codes.
Its strongest fit is the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft personal accounts and Microsoft Entra ID work and school accounts. The app also supports compatible accounts from Google, Facebook, and Amazon, giving it useful reach beyond Microsoft services. Platform coverage is limited to iOS and Android, and backup and restore operates between devices of the same type. Microsoft Entra ID uses TOTP rather than HOTP, so organizations requiring HOTP should choose an alternative that explicitly supports that method. Choose Microsoft Authenticator for free push approvals, passwordless access, passkeys, and TOTP in a Microsoft-centered setup; look elsewhere if broader platform coverage or HOTP is essential.
Microsoft Authenticator pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Push approvals support passwordless and multifactor sign-in
- Includes passkeys, TOTP codes, QR setup, and biometric verification
- Free on iOS and Android with backup for supported account data
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on iOS and Android
- Backup and restore works between devices of the same type
- HOTP support is not available for Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Authenticator fact sheet, pricing and score →
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