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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Microsoft Authenticator

30
Value score / 100 Worth paying? No Skip it

Microsoft Authenticator is a free app that offers essential two-factor authentication, but its significant usability issues, especially when switching devices, make it a frustrating experience for many users.

Free + in-app purchases seen up to $6.99 4.7★ lifetime (670,604) since 2015

Microsoft Authenticator is a free app designed for two-factor authentication, with a high lifetime rating but recent reviews highlight severe usability problems. Many users report being stuck in login loops, particularly when trying to set up the app on a new device, and there are no clear benefits or features mentioned in reviews that justify its in-app purchases.

Free vs paid

The app is advertised as free, and all reviews discuss its core functionality as a free two-factor authentication tool. There is no mention in the reviews of any features or benefits unlocked by the in-app purchases, nor do users complain about paywalls. The in-app purchases appear to be entirely optional and unrelated to the app's primary use as described by users.

Value complaints

  • One user refers to the app as a "money grab" without specifying what features are paid or how it constitutes a money grab.R7
  • One user reported being unable to add an account due to the app asking for credit card information, which is unusual for an authenticator app.R82

Where it delivers

  • Some users find the app easy to use, especially those who consider themselves low-tech.R27
  • Many users appreciate the added security and double-layer security it provides for their accounts.R71R127R231R279
  • The app is described as reliable and helpful by some users.R98R191R235
  • It has been credited with saving accounts from being hacked.R338
Worth paying if

Based on the reviews, there is no indication that paying for any in-app purchases offers additional value or resolves the common issues users face. Therefore, it is not worth paying for.

Skip / stay free if

You should skip paying for this app as reviews do not indicate any paid features or benefits (R1-). Users who frequently switch devices or rely heavily on seamless authentication for critical accounts, like school or work, should be cautious due to the prevalent login loop and setup difficulties R8R26.

Evidence note: The lifetime rating is high, but recent reviews are overwhelmingly negative, focusing on critical usability flaws, particularly with device migration and login processes. There is very little information in the reviews about the in-app purchases, making it difficult to assess their value.

Frequently asked

Is Microsoft Authenticator free to use?
Yes, Microsoft Authenticator is a free app, and user reviews do not mention any paywalls or required payments for its core two-factor authentication functionality (R1-).
What are the main problems with Microsoft Authenticator?
The main problems with Microsoft Authenticator include being stuck in login loops, especially when trying to set up the app on a new phone, where it asks for a code from the very app you're trying to log into R8R26. Users also report issues with codes not appearing or not working, and a lack of clear instructions or troubleshooting options R4R5R10.
Does Microsoft Authenticator offer backup options for new devices?
Microsoft Authenticator has been criticized for its lack of reliable backup and transfer options, with users reporting losing access to accounts when switching to a new phone because backups failed or the app couldn't be restored R26R30R31R33.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R7] 1/5 · US MA sucks: What a money grab. No different than sending a text. They make you download this app, and force notifications. Other apps don’t do that, just weak Microsoft. Bill gates is awful as well
  2. [R82] 1/5 · US Unable to add: Cannot add due to asking for credit card info
  3. [R27] 5/5 · US I’m low tech: … and it’s easy for me to use. That’s it folks.
  4. [R71] 5/5 · US Best 2FA that I have found: Really a life saver as far as keeping account safe and secure
  5. [R127] 5/5 · CA Nice security: I like the added security, and the fluidity.
  6. [R231] 5/5 · AU Safety is A+: Safest and the easiest to use
  7. [R279] 5/5 · AU secured: love that i have double layer security
  8. [R98] 5/5 · US Authenticator: Helpful
  9. [R191] 5/5 · AU Richard Foot: very reliable information and very helpful service
  10. [R235] 5/5 · AU It has been reliable: All good thus far!
  11. [R338] 5/5 · AU The best ever: My Roblox account got hacked and the one time password saved me
  12. [R1] 1/5 · US The dumbest thing ever: I hate 2 step verification and this app makes it worse
  13. [R4] 2/5 · US Not as reliable as it needs to be.: Frustrated with this system and its bugs / general unreliability. If you have an alert on authenticator a tab over, the alert goes away. When you try to check it your told your password is wrong. Another 2 or 3 step authentication later, I can get the code with the same password. This is not security. This is bad programming.
  14. [R5] 1/5 · US So inconsistent: Doesn’t work half or 2/3 of the time- and there’s no trouble troubleshooting. I can’t imagine why Microsoft would put it out such a crummy product.
  15. [R8] 1/5 · US I’ve never worked with an app so frustrating, confusing and garbage.: I’ve been unable to sign into my microsoft authenticator app after getting a new iPhone. Every time I go to sign into the app the app states I need to verify my identity via a code in the app… which I can’t access because it a) Never shows up b) In order to check if there’s a code I have to cancel the sign in and restart the
  16. [R10] 1/5 · US Terrible: Complex, never works properly
  17. [R26] 3/5 · US It’s alright: it’s a good app when it’s easy to be access when changing phones it’s difficult to re-log into your previous account because you need the Authenticator app, but if it’s not working, you’re kind of just screwed. It has happened multiple times.
  18. [R30] 1/5 · US Backup not working: Backup not working and all my logins gone after replacing my phone Till yet i got an error when trying to login
  19. [R31] 1/5 · US Painful to use: Compared with Keeper and Google auth, this app is very finicky about adding new auth methods. God help you should you get a new iPhone.
  20. [R33] 1/5 · US Inability to setup a new device is poor: If I have an iCloud backup I should be able to restore quickly on an emergency device if my primary device is inaccessible

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store