Getting a New Phone This Holiday Season? Don’t Forget Your MFA Apps!

The Christmas season is filled with warm lights, cozy nights, and the excitement of unwrapping new gifts. For many, that includes a brand-new smartphone! Whether it’s a surprise from under the tree or a well-timed upgrade for the new year, switching to a new device is always exciting. But before you retire your old phone, there’s one important step you cannot skip: migrating your multi-factor authentication (MFA) apps.

Apps like Okta Verify, Duo Mobile, and WatchGuard AuthPoint protect your business accounts, and the MFA tokens stored on your phone don’t transfer automatically. Handle them with care now, and you’ll avoid login headaches after the holidays

Why MFA Needs Extra Attention During a Phone Upgrade

While your new phone may transfer your contacts, photos, and apps automatically, MFA works differently. The tokens stored in these apps are tied to the specific device they were activated on . Which means they won’t move unless you move them. Skipping this step can leave you unable to log in to your business systems once you're back from your holiday break. Thankfully, transferring your MFA apps can be quick and simple with a little preparation.

How to Move Your MFA Apps to Your New Christmas Phone

• AuthPoint (WatchGuard)

  If you still have access to your old phone (and hopefully you do, right after unwrapping the new one!), you can migrate your AuthPoint tokens smoothly. WatchGuard provides step-by-step guidance to walk you through starting the process on your old device and completing it on your new one.

• Okta Verify

  Okta makes moving your token refreshingly straightforward. You’ll log in, confirm your identity, and reactivate your Okta Verify app on your new device. Their instructions guide you through each step.

• Duo Mobile

  Duo is a little more involved, much like that tricky holiday ribbon that looks simple until you try tying it.

  To migrate Duo Mobile, you’ll usually need:

  • Your old phone

  • Both devices updated to their latest operating systems

  • A backup (iCloud or Google)

  Duo uses Duo Restore to move your tokens, but depending on your organization’s setup, you may need help from Element Support, especially for business accounts that require admin resets. Pro tip: Start the Duo process before you wipe, trade in, or hand off your old phone. Duo Migration Instructions.  

If Something Goes Wrong, Don’t Stress!

Should you encounter challenges in migrating the tokens successfully before losing access to your old phone, or if the migration process proves unsuccessful, reach out to Element support [email protected] or 612-876-5432). Please note, Holiday schedules vary, so response times may be a bit slower, thank you for your patience as our team enjoys time with loved ones too.

Getting a new phone for Christmas should feel exciting, not stressful. By taking a few extra minutes to migrate your MFA apps, you’ll set yourself up for a secure and seamless start when you're back to business after the holidays.

From all of us at Element, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a smooth, secure transition to your new device!