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Microsoft did remove its dedicated Authenticator app for Apple Watch—but it happened in 2023, not as a new 2026 change. The iPhone app still works, and its notifications can still be mirrored to a watch; the watch itself can no longer run Authenticator or complete its supported approval flows.
What Microsoft removed—and what it did not
Microsoft discontinued the watchOS companion app. That app had let users access Authenticator functions from Apple Watch, but its removal did not end Microsoft Authenticator on iPhone or Android. The mobile app remains available for supported devices and Microsoft personal, work, and school accounts. Microsoft’s overview of Authenticator describes its mobile availability.
A watch may still display an Authenticator alert mirrored from an iPhone. That is not the same as running Authenticator on the watch: a notification appearing—or being dismissed—does not establish that the watch can complete a secure approval or number-matching interaction. Microsoft’s current Authenticator FAQ says Apple Watch and Android wearables are incompatible with Authenticator’s security features, while phone notifications may be mirrored.
When did Apple Watch support end?
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Microsoft Authenticator gained an Apple Watch companion app, according to MacRumors’ account of the discontinuation. |
| December 12–13, 2022 | Microsoft announced that the companion app would be discontinued. |
| January 2023 | Microsoft said an upcoming iOS release would no longer include the watchOS companion. |
| February 6, 2023 | The watch app was removed through an iOS update and was no longer available on Apple Watch, as reported by MacRumors. |
| Current guidance | Microsoft’s FAQ continues to describe Apple Watch and Android wearables as incompatible with Authenticator security features. |
Microsoft’s Entra documentation also notes that there has been no watchOS companion since the January 2023 Authenticator release: Microsoft’s number-matching guidance.
#1 Best Overall
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Why did Microsoft discontinue the watch app?
Microsoft’s public explanation was that watchOS was “incompatible with Authenticator security features.” It has not publicly named one specific technical limitation, vulnerability, or feature as the sole reason. Number matching, App Lock, or another security function should not be presented as a confirmed cause.
That distinction matters because Authenticator can be involved in different sign-in methods, including push approvals, number matching, and one-time passcodes. A watch app that can display information is not necessarily able to support the security checks required for a particular sign-in. Microsoft’s documentation explains its number-matching flow, but does not attribute the discontinuation to that feature.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
What should Apple Watch owners do now?
- Keep Microsoft Authenticator on a supported phone if a personal account or workplace requires it. Complete prompts and number matching in the phone app.
- Remove the obsolete watch app if it remains installed. Microsoft’s Entra guidance tells users to delete Authenticator from Apple Watch and continue using another device.
- Use notification mirroring only as an alert. On iPhone, open the Watch app, go to Notifications, find Microsoft Authenticator, and enable its notification setting if available. Labels can vary by iOS and watchOS version; mirroring does not restore watch-based authentication.
- Register and test a backup sign-in method before replacing or losing a phone, or traveling. For a work or school account, ask IT which options are allowed.
There is no supported command, profile, or setting that restores the discontinued companion app. Do not rely on sideloading an old build or an archived watch app for authentication.
Which alternatives fit your account?
| Option | Best fit | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Authenticator on a phone | Microsoft 365 and Entra work or school accounts, especially where push approval or number matching is required. | Requires access to the phone; a mirrored watch alert does not replace the phone workflow. |
| Another TOTP authenticator | Personal services that offer standard time-based one-time passwords, or accounts where the user controls the authentication method. | A TOTP code app generally cannot approve Microsoft push requests or satisfy number matching and may be barred by workplace policy. |
| Passkey | Supported services and accounts where the user or organization permits passwordless sign-in. | Availability depends on the service, account, device, and organizational policy. A passkey does not recreate watch-based Authenticator approval. See Microsoft’s passwordless sign-in guidance. |
| FIDO2 security key | Users who need a separate physical credential, including some enterprise environments that support hardware-backed authentication. | Enrollment depends on the service and administrator policy. Carry and protect the key; keeping a backup key can reduce lockout risk. Microsoft describes security-key options in its Entra authentication-method guidance. |
For work or school accounts, an administrator may require Microsoft Authenticator or restrict alternative methods. A third-party app that generates TOTP codes is not automatically a substitute. For personal accounts, choose among methods the service actually offers; Microsoft’s SMS and voice authentication changes also vary by account and environment. See Microsoft’s personal-account SMS guidance.
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![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Cud2WnszL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 — Bigger display with up to 30 percent more screen area.* A thinner, lighter, and more comfortable design.* Advanced health and fitness features provide invaluable insights.* Safety features connect you to help when you need it.* Faster charging gives you 80 percent battery in about 30 minutes.*
- ADVANCED HEALTH INSIGHTS — Take an ECG anytime.* Get notifications if you have high or low heart rate or an irregular heart rhythm.* Understand your menstrual cycle and get retrospective ovulation estimates.* See overnight health metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and more with the Vitals app.* Track sleep and get notifications if Apple Watch detects signs of sleep apnea.*
- A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — Measure all the ways you move with Activity Rings, which are customizable to match your lifestyle. Get advanced metrics for a range of workouts with the Workout app. Track the intensity of your workouts with training load. Use depth and water temperature sensors for your aquatic adventures. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.*
- STAY CONNECTED — Send a text, take a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, and get notifications on the go. Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS) works with your iPhone or Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
- INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.* Check In automatically notifies a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.*
If something does not work
The watch still shows an Authenticator alert
It may be mirroring a notification from the iPhone. The alert’s presence does not mean the discontinued watch app is installed or supported.
You can see a prompt but cannot approve it on the watch
Open Authenticator on the supported phone and complete the requested interaction there. For a work or school account, contact IT if you cannot access the phone or the organization’s required method.
Rank #4
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS, 46mm] - Silver Aluminum Case with Denim Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QK6T8A0yL._SL160_.jpg)
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
A different authenticator generates codes, but Microsoft still asks for approval
The account may be using push approval, number matching, or a tenant policy that requires Microsoft Authenticator. A time-based code and a push approval are different methods; ask the account administrator before changing registration.
You are moving to a new phone
Set up and test another approved sign-in method before removing the old device. If you no longer have access to the old phone and have no backup, use the account’s recovery process or contact your organization’s administrator.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STAY CLOSER TO YOUR HEART HEALTH—The most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable,* Series 12 now measures HRV as often as every five minutes for insights on stress and recovery, and takes background heart rate readings every five seconds.
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Better understand your body with invaluable health insights. View your overnight health metrics with the Vitals app and get a daily sleep score,* track your menstrual cycle,5 and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- CHECK YOUR READINESS FOR THE DAY—Know when to rest or put yourself to the test. The readiness experience can help you determine your capacity to take on the day by analyzing your recent activity, vitals, and sleep.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone8—Series 12 helps you stay active, from running to hiking to strength training.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 12 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.*
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