Microsoft Authenticator stopped autofilling passwords (and your saved logins seem to “disappear”): how to move your passwords safely and keep sign-ins working in 2026
The problem (and who it hits)
If you used Microsoft Authenticator as your password manager on iPhone or Android, you may have noticed one or more of these issues:- Autofill suddenly doesn’t offer your saved usernames/passwords.
- The “Passwords” area you used before is gone or shows nothing.
- You can’t add/import new passwords anymore.
- You’re worried your passwords were deleted.
This commonly affects people who:
- Used Authenticator’s built-in password storage + autofill (not just 2FA codes).
- Recently switched phones, reinstalled apps, or updated settings.
- Have a mix of personal and work/school sign-ins.
Why it’s happening
Microsoft discontinued password autofill and password management inside Microsoft Authenticator in a phased rollout in 2025:- June 2025: adding/importing new passwords in Authenticator stopped.
- July 2025: Authenticator autofill stopped.
- Mid‑August 2025: saved personal info became no longer accessible in Authenticator.
Microsoft’s stated direction is to consolidate password management and autofill into Microsoft Edge, while Authenticator continues for MFA and passkeys. [1]
Important nuance: Microsoft indicates that passwords and addresses are synced to your Microsoft account and remain accessible via Edge, but payment info does not automatically carry over and may be deleted as part of the change. [1]
Fixes that work (step-by-step)
Solution 1 (fastest): Get your passwords back via Microsoft Edge
If you already sign in to Edge with the same Microsoft account you used with Authenticator, this is often the quickest path.1. Install/open Microsoft Edge on your device.
2. Sign in to Edge with the same Microsoft account you used in Authenticator.
3. In Edge, open Settings → Passwords (or go to Edge’s saved passwords area).
4. Confirm you can see your saved logins.
If your passwords show up in Edge, the “disappearing passwords” problem is usually solved: they moved to the place Microsoft now supports. [1]
Solution 2: Export from Authenticator and import into another password manager
If you don’t want to use Edge, export your passwords and move them to a dedicated manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, etc.).Export from Authenticator
1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Under Autofill, choose Export Passwords.
4. Save the export file somewhere you can find it.
Microsoft warns the export file is not encrypted (plaintext). Treat it like cash. [2]
Import into your new manager
- Use your new manager’s “Import” feature (often accepts CSV).
After you import:
- Delete the export file immediately (and remove it from “Recently Deleted/Trash” too).
Solution 3: Import the Authenticator export into Edge (then optionally migrate again)
If your goal is simply “get everything somewhere stable,” Edge can be a good staging point.1. Export passwords from Authenticator (Solution 2).
2. In Edge on desktop, go to Settings → Profiles → Import browser data → Import passwords (CSV).
3. Choose the CSV file and import.
Microsoft documents CSV import for passwords in Edge. [3]
Solution 4: Fix autofill selection on iPhone/Android (common ‘it still won’t fill’ issue)
Even after migrating passwords, autofill may fail if the phone is still pointing to the wrong provider.- If you’re using Edge for autofill: set Edge/Microsoft Autofill as the password provider.
- If you moved to another manager: set that manager as the provider.
Tip: After switching providers, fully close and reopen the browser/app you’re signing into.
Solution 5 (don’t skip): Recreate payment cards and verify critical accounts
Microsoft’s documentation indicates payment info isn’t exported from Authenticator and may be deleted during the change. Plan to re-add cards where needed (browser wallet, manager, or directly on sites). [1]Also, prioritize re-checking:
- Your primary email account
- Banking / payments
- Cloud storage
- Employer portals
Checklist: do this in order
- [ ] Identify the Microsoft account you used with Authenticator autofill
- [ ] Open Edge and sign in to confirm passwords are accessible there [1]
- [ ] If not using Edge: export passwords from Authenticator [2]
- [ ] Import into your chosen password manager (or Edge CSV import) [3]
- [ ] Delete the exported file everywhere (Downloads, Files app, email attachments, cloud drives, Trash) [2]
- [ ] Set your phone’s autofill provider to the new manager
- [ ] Recreate payment cards and any missing addresses manually [1]
- [ ] Turn on strong account protection (passkeys/MFA where available)
FAQ
1) Did Microsoft Authenticator shut down 2FA?
No. The change is about password management and autofill features. Authenticator continues to support MFA and passkeys, while password autofill moved out of Authenticator. [1]2) Where did my passwords go?
Microsoft states that passwords and addresses are synced to your Microsoft account and accessible in Microsoft Edge after the change. If you can’t see them, verify you’re signed into Edge with the correct Microsoft account. [1]3) Can I export everything (passwords, addresses, cards) from Authenticator?
Microsoft’s export guidance notes that only passwords can be exported; addresses and payment cards must be recreated manually. [2]4) Is a CSV export safe?
It’s useful, but risky: exported passwords are not encrypted. Only export when you’re ready to import immediately, and delete the file right after. Microsoft explicitly warns about this. [2]5) Should I switch to passkeys?
Passkeys are designed as a password replacement and are widely described as phishing-resistant because they use cryptographic keys stored on devices rather than reusable secrets. If a service supports passkeys, enabling them can reduce password-related risk. [4]Key Takeaways
- Microsoft Authenticator’s password autofill was retired in 2025; Edge is now the main Microsoft-supported place for those passwords. [1]
- You can export passwords from Authenticator, but the file is plaintext—delete it after import. [2]
- Payment cards and addresses may require manual recreation (don’t assume they’ll transfer). [1]
- Fixing your phone’s autofill provider setting is often the difference between “migrated” and “working.”
- Consider passkeys on services that support them to reduce phishing risk long-term. [4]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Facts: Microsoft Authenticator discontinued password management/autofill in 2025; adding/importing passwords stopped June 2025; autofill stopped July 2025; saved info became inaccessible in Authenticator mid‑August 2025. Passwords and addresses can be accessed via Microsoft Edge after syncing to a Microsoft account; payment info may not transfer and may be deleted. Users can export passwords from Authenticator (plaintext export) and import into Edge or another password manager; delete export file after use.Keywords: Microsoft Authenticator autofill stopped, Authenticator passwords missing, export passwords Authenticator, import passwords Edge CSV, Authenticator August 2025 change, move passwords to Edge, passkeys Microsoft account, password migration iPhone Android.