Can Proton Authenticator Import from Microsoft Authenticator?

So, you’re thinking about switching to Proton Authenticator but you’ve been using Microsoft Authenticator for a while? You’re not alone! A lot of people are looking for more privacy-focused or open-source solutions and Proton is a great option. But can you import your data from Microsoft Authenticator to Proton Authenticator easily?

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

No, you can’t directly import accounts from Microsoft Authenticator to Proton Authenticator. Microsoft keeps their backup data in the cloud and encrypted, tied tightly to your Microsoft account. Proton Authenticator doesn’t support importing from that. But, you can still switch! It just means manually re-adding your two-factor authentication (2FA) accounts.

Let’s break it down

Moving from one authenticator app to another can sound scary. But it’s not rocket science! Let’s take it step by step and sprinkle in a little fun along the way.

Imagine your authenticator app as a keychain. Each account you’ve added is a key. When you switch apps, you can’t just take all those keys and drop them into the new keychain. Sometimes you have to go and ask for a new key from the website you’re using.

That’s basically what’s happening here. Microsoft stores your secret keys differently than Proton does. And that’s why you can’t “import” directly.

Why Can’t You Import from Microsoft Authenticator?

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:

• Microsoft Authenticator backs up your 2FA codes to your Microsoft account.
• These backups are encrypted and stored in the cloud.
• The keys are not accessible or exportable in a universal format like a QR code or text string.
• Proton requires that you scan or enter a fresh code to add a 2FA account.

So even though both apps do the same thing—generate 6-digit codes every 30 seconds—they don’t speak the same language for moving data.

Can Any Authenticator Import from Microsoft’s?

Not really. Microsoft’s system is kind of like a locked box. Only Microsoft has the key 🔑. So even if you use Google Authenticator, Authy, or Aegis, you’d hit the same wall.

This is great for your security—less chance of someone stealing all your codes. But not so great if you’re trying to switch apps…

So, How Do I Move My Accounts to Proton Authenticator?

Ready to make the move? Here’s what you need to do:

1. Log into each account where you have 2FA enabled (Google, Facebook, GitHub, etc.).
2. Go to the security or 2FA settings page.
3. Choose to “change authenticator app” or turn 2FA off and back on.
4. Scan the new QR code using Proton Authenticator.
5. Test it to make sure the new codes work.
6. Delete the account from your old Microsoft Authenticator app if everything works well.

Yes, It’s Manual. But It’s Worth It.

Yeah, we know—it’s a bit of a chore. Especially if you’ve got 10+ accounts. Grab some snacks or a cup of coffee ☕ and treat it like spring cleaning for your digital life.

Still not convinced?

Here’s Why You Might Want to Switch Anyway:

• Proton Authenticator is open source – you can trust what it’s doing.
• Privacy-focused – Proton is known for caring about your data.
• TOTP standard – it sticks to time-based codes without weird restrictions.
• No cloud backup (yet) – Some say that’s safer. Others prefer backups. (Proton may add secure backups in the future!)

Are There Any Shortcuts?

Sort of. If you were using an app like Aegis or andOTP before, those let you export your 2FA tokens as a file. You could then import them into another app. Sadly, Microsoft Authenticator doesn’t do that. Not even a little bit.

Tips to Make Migration Easier

Here are some fun and friendly tips to help with the big move:

• Make a checklist of all the sites where you have 2FA activated.
• Start with less important accounts—just in case something breaks.
• Enable backup codes where you can, just in case you get locked out!
• Don’t delete anything from Microsoft Authenticator until Proton is working and tested.
• If a website allows both SMS and app authentication, use SMS temporarily while switching.

What About Proton Pass?

This might confuse a few people. Proton launched Proton Pass too, which is a password manager. That’s a separate thing! Proton Authenticator is inside Proton Pass if you’re using it on mobile. So yes, they go together if you want that all-in-one combo 📦.

Still Unsure if It’s Worth It?

If you’re looking for an authenticator that:

• Respects your privacy
• Doesn’t tie your data to a big tech company
• Is transparent about its code and design

…then Proton Authenticator is a solid step forward.

In Conclusion

No, Proton Authenticator can’t import from Microsoft Authenticator directly. But that’s because Microsoft locks the data down tightly. The only real way to move your accounts is by going one by one and resetting your 2FA setups.

It may be manual, but it’s also a great chance to:

• Review and tidy up your online security
• Switch to better 2FA on sites that support it (app > SMS)
• Feel like a cybersecurity wizard ✨

Happy authenticating!