Microsoft is getting ready to discontinue support for its Authenticator app on the Apple Watch in January 2023. The company quietly announced in a support document (via 9to5Mac) that an upcoming update will remove the Microsoft Authenticator companion app from watchOS.
The Microsoft Authenticator companion app allows Apple Watch users to securely log into services that use Microsoft and third-party accounts. Users can tap on their watch to approve sign-in notifications sent to the app to authenticate their login requests.
Microsoft explained that the Apple Watch operating system has some compatibility issues with the security features in Microsoft Authenticator. It’s a major reason that the company decided to sunset the watchOS app. Microsoft has advised existing users to delete the app from their Apple Watch by the end of this month.
“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,” Microsoft explained.
How to delete the Microsoft Authenticator app from Apple Watch
Apple has provided step-by-step instructions to help users delete Microsoft Authenticator from their Apple Watch.
- Press the Digital Crown and then touch & hold the display until the View Options screen appears on the screen.
- Tap Edit Apps and select the Delete icon on the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Finally, tap the Delete App option to remove the app and press the Digital Crown.
Microsoft notes that this change will only affect Microsoft Authenticator on watchOS. This means that customers can continue to use the two-step verification app on other devices, including iPads and iPhones. Do you use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your Apple Watch? Let us know in the comments down below.