In a move that marks a significant shift in Microsoft's approach to password management, the tech giant is deprecating the autofill feature in its popular Microsoft Authenticator app. For many users those relying on the app on iPhones or Android devices to securely manage and auto-fill passwords, this update is a significant one. Understanding the changes and preparing ahead will ensure a smooth transition, keeping your experience seamless and secure. Let’s break down what’s happening, why and what your next steps should be.
❓ What Is Microsoft Authenticator Autofill?
The Autofill feature in Microsoft
Authenticator allowed users to:
- Securely store usernames and passwords.
- Auto-fill login credentials into apps and websites.
- Sync passwords across devices via their Microsoft account.
It served as an alternative to Apple’s iCloud Keychain and Google’s Password Manager, especially useful for those using Microsoft Edge or managing enterprise accounts.
⚠️ What’s Changing?
Microsoft is officially discontinuing password autofill and storage in the Authenticator app over the next few months.
📅 Key Dates:
- June 2025 – You will no longer be able to save new passwords in the app.
- July 2025 – Autofill functionality will stop working.
- August 2025 – All previously saved passwords will be deleted from the app.
🔄 However, passwords synced to your Microsoft account will continue to be accessible through the Microsoft Edge browser.
⚠️ Any payment information saved in Authenticator will be deleted from your device after July 2025 and will not be recoverable.
💾 What Happens to My Saved Data?
- ✅ Passwords and addresses: Still securely synced to your Microsoft account.
- 🔐 You can continue using them with Microsoft Edge, a secure and AI-powered web browser featuring: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Password Monitor and InPrivate search
- ❌ Generated password history (unsaved) and payment information will be deleted unless manually saved elsewhere.
🌐 How Can I Use Autofill Going
Forward?
To continue using password and address
autofill, switch to Microsoft Edge. It supports the same Microsoft account sync
and autofill features across Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
✅ On iOS:
- Download the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Go to iPhone Settings > General > Autofill & Passwords
- Under “Autofill from,” select Edge as your password manager.
- Open Edge and sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Go to Settings > Passwords in Edge to view and manage your data.
📌 Note: If you've set up
Passkeys in Authenticator, do not disable Authenticator. It must remain enabled
to continue using passkeys.
✅ On Android:
- Download Microsoft Edge from the Play Store.
- Go to Settings > System > Autofill > Preferred Service.
- Change the provider to Edge.
- Open Edge and sign in.
- Access your passwords via Settings > Passwords.
📤 What If I Need to Export My
Data?
If you need to switch or back up your
data:
- Passwords: Already synced to your Microsoft account. No export needed if you continue with Edge.
- Generated passwords: Save them manually from the Generator history in Authenticator’s Password tab.
- Addresses: Copy and paste them or export using Microsoft Edge.
- Payment info: Will be deleted after July 2025. Recreate manually in the browser or app of your choice.
💡 Final Tips
- Microsoft recommends switching to Microsoft Edge for a seamless and secure autofill experience.
- Make sure to manually save any generated passwords before August.
- Keep Microsoft Authenticator enabled if you’re using Passkeys for your Microsoft, work, or school accounts.
🔒 Wrap-Up
While the retirement of password
autofill in Microsoft Authenticator may feel like a loss, it's actually a step
forward focusing on streamlined, secure experiences through Microsoft Edge
and future-proof authentication methods.
➡️ Migrate your saved credentials to Microsoft Edge today to stay secure and avoid disruption.
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