How do I turn off Microsoft Authenticator?

That seems to be the case:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/fundamentals/security-defaults?WT.mc_id=Portal-Microsoft_AAD_IAM

Enforced security policies Require all users to register for Azure AD Multifactor Authentication All users have 14 days to register using the Microsoft Authenticator app or any app supporting OATH TOTP. After the 14 days have passed, the user can't sign in until registration is completed. A user's 14-day period begins after their first successful interactive sign-in after enabling security defaults.

The issue is our company needs to have MFA enabled, so that is fine. The problem is the MS Authenticator app was supposed to be OPTIONAL and now all of a sudden it isn't. I guess either way I am just trying to find confirmation that this is now in fact the case. Did Microsoft flip a switch to require users to use the MS Authenticator app? Even though someone has set up a phone number as their MFA, it now makes them copy the text code, then takes them to a screen that says 'Let's secure your account' with a 'Next' and no skip/cancel button. Thus users are finding they simply can no longer log into their accounts without setting up the MS Authenticator app.

Can someone just confirm this has happened? Maybe it is early in the process of rolling out, but want to make sure before I tell people they have to use it now. This is after we spend two weeks telling them it was optional (two weeks ago it WAS optional). We can deal with it no problem, but just making sure this is the case and I am not missing anything. People that were fine last week are having to go through this (not all people yet as far as I can tell, but the entire company has MFA enforced).

Thank you!

I never have to deal with my users about MFA requirements after disabling what Microsoft auto enabled. Did you try disabling MFA for all users?

Happening to us too! I had everyone set up with text to match some other systems and now it not only prompts for text as it should, BUT will go to a new screen that says 'lets secure your account' and will not let anyone skip the MS Authenticator app. We already spent two weeks trying to tell everyone it was optional and they did not need it. Now, apparently everyone will need to download and use it? Please allow only text for MFA again!!!

Having the same issue, and it's completely idiotic. All our users we blocked from logging in to download this stupid Microsoft Authenticator App. The settings for admins are so complicated that it's impossible to figure out what's going on. Why is SMS or Call not enough as an MFA?? Insane.

Same issue here, Microsoft please address this!