Microsoft Authenticator: Usability improvements for iOS and Android

What and why

We’re updating Microsoft Authenticator with several usability improvements across iOS and Android. These updates include a refreshed home experience, clearer guidance for accounts that need to be restored, improvements to restoration and sign-in flows, and additional prompts designed to help keep Authenticator working reliably. Availability and timing vary by platform.

Rollout schedule

• General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, and DoD): Beginning in October 2026 and expected to complete in November 2026
• The improved restoration experience for push notifications and passwordless sign-in will be available on iOS first, with Android planned to follow in January 2027.

Impact on your organization

Who is affected

• Users of Microsoft Authenticator on iOS and Android

Platforms and services

• Microsoft Authenticator for iOS and Android

What will happen

• Improved Authenticator home experience, iOS and Android: The Authenticator home page is being updated to improve the experience when users view and manage their accounts. On Android, this update will be available in November 2026.

iOs:

Android:

• Clearer notification for accounts that haven’t been restored, iOS and Android: Users with accounts that have not yet been restored will see a banner informing them that those accounts require attention

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• Improved first-run guidance for account restoration, iOS and Android: The first-run experience will more clearly show which accounts need to be restored, giving users additional context during Authenticator setup.

• App rating prompt during sign-in, iOS only: Users may see an option to rate Microsoft Authenticator as part of the sign-in experience, giving them an opportunity to provide feedback about the app. 
• Improved restoration experience for push notifications and passwordless sign-in: The restoration flow is being improved for users who use push notifications and passwordless sign-in. This improvement will be available on iOS first, with Android planned for January 2027. 
• Prompt to exclude Authenticator from battery optimization, Android only: After successfully completing an interactive authentication, users may see a non-blocking prompt to exclude Authenticator from Android battery optimization. Excluding the app from battery optimization helps users stay signed in and continue receiving work or school notifications. The prompt will not block authentication.

Action required and recommendations

No configuration action is specified in this request.

• Inform your help desk and security operations teams about the updated Authenticator experiences.
• Update internal user guidance and screenshots that show the previous Authenticator experiences.

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified.