Microsoft Authenticator will no longer save your passwords or autocomplete them, so it's time to prepare for the change. In short: the app will stop working as a password manager and will only serve to generate temporary codes (the famous TOTP) that you use in the two-step verification. This tool, which many used to store and autocomplete passwords securely, will soon stop working. What does this mean for you as a user? Will you lose your passwords? What options do you have to continue protecting your information?
In this article we tell you what will happen, when it will happen and what steps you should take. First, we review the key dates so that you are not caught by surprise. Then we explain how to export your passwords easily and, to close, we give you a quick look at the best alternatives so that you can continue to protect yourself without complications.
What's happening with Microsoft Authenticator?
Microsoft is going to make some important changes to its Authenticator app, and if you were using this tool to save and autocomplete passwords, it's time to pay attention. Basically, Authenticator is no longer a password manager. That means that you will no longer be able to save your passwords there or use them to autocomplete them on web pages or apps.
And there's more: soon you won't be able to see the passwords you have already saved in the app either. Your data will not be completely lost, they will still be in your Microsoft account, but they can only be consulted from the Microsoft Edge browser. In other words, if you use another browser such as Chrome or Firefox, you will lose access.
If you have relied on Authenticator over the years to store your passwords, it's time to act. Soon, these passwords will disappear completely from the app, so it is best to export them as soon as possible and take them to another password manager.
And be careful, not only the passwords will be gone: any payment data you may have saved, such as cards or bank accounts, will also be deleted. The only thing that remains are the passkeys (modern access keys), but you will not be able to autocomplete passwords with them either. In short: if you want to continue using autocomplete and have easy access to your passwords, you will have to do it from Edge or switch to another manager.
When will the Authenticator password manager stop working?
Although the Microsoft Authenticator app is not going to disappear as such, its function of saving and autocompleting passwords does have its days numbered. Here are the key dates to keep on your radar:
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June 2025: you will no longer be able to save new passwords in Authenticator.
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July 2025: the password autocomplete function is deactivated.
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August 2025: total goodbye to accessing saved passwords from the app.
So if you are using Authenticator as your main manager, it is best to make the change as soon as possible to avoid a scare when the time comes. You can find more information on Microsoft's official support page.
How to export your passwords from Authenticator?
Luckily, getting your passwords out of the app is quite easy. Just follow these steps:
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Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
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Tap the side menu (the three little lines in the corner).
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Go to Settings.
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Scroll to the bottom and look for the Export passwords option.
When you do this, the app will generate a CSV file with all your saved passwords. You can save it on your mobile or send it to you by mail, but be careful: this file is not encrypted, so try to import it as soon as possible to another password manager and delete it afterwards to avoid risks.
The best alternatives to Microsoft Authenticator
If you were using Microsoft Authenticator to store your passwords, don't worry, you're not alone. There are many other options you can use to replace it, and here's a quick look at some of the most popular and recommended ones. All of them have the essentials to keep your passwords safe, and some even offer useful extras.
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Google Password Manager: This is one of the most convenient options if you use Android or Chrome. It's integrated directly into your Google account and works without you having to install anything extra. It's free and covers the basics very well.
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Apple Passwords: If you have an iPhone, iPad or Mac, this option comes in handy. Apple already includes its own password manager, which now even has its own separate app. It's easy to use, secure and fully integrated with the Apple ecosystem.
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1Password: It is one of the most complete and best designed options. Of course, it is paid and a bit more expensive than other alternatives, but in exchange it offers many advanced features, such as secure password sharing, security alerts and more.
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Bitwarden: Highly recommended if you are looking for something powerful and economical. It has a very complete free version and quite affordable payment plans. It is also open source, which means you can trust its transparency and, if you are interested, even set it up on your own server.
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Dashlane: Also quite well known. It has a free plan for a single device and paid plans with features like security monitoring and VPN included. It is easy to use and is designed for those who want everything in one app.
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NordPass: From the same creators as NordVPN, this manager focuses on the essentials. It has a simple interface, is secure and also offers a free version, although limited to a single device.
Each has its pros and cons, but the important thing is that you choose the one that best suits how you use your passwords and on which devices. That way you can stay protected without missing Authenticator.
