Say goodbye to Microsoft Authenticator app on Apple Watch

Apple Watches on table with bands
(Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Authenticator will no longer work on Apple Watch as of January 2023.
  • The change will occur because watchOS will no longer be compatible with Authenticator security features.
  • Microsoft Authenticator will continue to work on other devices, such as Android phones and iPhones.

If you use an Apple Watch, you'll have to find a new way to use Microsoft Authenticator. Following an upcoming release in January 2023, there will no longer be a companion app for watchOS. The change is due to the fact that watchOS will no longer be compatible with Authenticator security features.

Starting in January 2023, people won't be able to install the Authenticator app on Apple Watch. Additionally, the app will stop working on Apple Watches, so it's not worth keeping installed.

Microsoft explained the move in an updated support page.

"In the upcoming Authenticator release in January 2023 for iOS, there will be no companion app for watchOS due to it being incompatible with Authenticator security features. This means you won't be able to install or use Authenticator on Apple Watch. We therefore recommend that you delete Authenticator from your Apple Watch. This change only impacts Apple Watch, so you will still be able to use Authenticator on your other devices."

While Microsoft Authenticator won't work on Apple Watch as of January 2023, it will continue to be available on smartphones and other devices, including Android phones and iPhones.

If you'd like to get ahead of the curve and remove the Microsoft Authenticator app now from your Apple Watch, you can follow these steps outlined by Apple:

  1. Press the Digital Crown to see all your apps on the Home Screen.
  2. Touch and hold the display until the View Options screen appears.
  3. Tap Edit Apps.
  4. Tap the delete button on the app that you want to remove, then tap Delete App to confirm. Not all built-in apps can be removed. Apps that you can't delete don't show the delete button.
  5. Press the Digital Crown to finish.
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.