Cannot access account with Authenticator because it wants me to use Authenticator to authenticate

Anonymous
2024-01-31T23:31:52+00:00

I can't post this from the account I'm having issues with, but I am trying to get an Authenticator account set up for my Office 365 account, but whenever I try to do that, it asks for the code in Authenticator. But since it isn't set up with Authenticator yet, I cannot give it a code. I'm stuck in a catch 22. I've heard I can get a new QR code if I login and look under security settings, but I cannot login without getting my code from Authenticator, which I don't have set up yet. And I called MS support and they sent me a link to do it, but it will not let me access without the Authentication code from Authenticator, which I cannot access, because it isn't set up yet.

Any help from anyone? Just switch to Google? The only reason I need to do this is because I changed the account password. It didn't need me to authenticate to do that. But it does need me to update that same password change on my phone. So stupid.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-22T08:50:33+00:00

    Hi there,

    I'm having the same issue, but I cannot follow your instructions as above as even doing that asks me to verify using the Authenticator app.

    Please help.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-19T19:10:05+00:00

    Hi

    I have struggling with this loop from so many days and have read all replies but your one worked for me bcoz i was logged in at my laptop with the same account i was struggling to sign in via authenticator.

    Thank you so much

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-19T02:29:16+00:00

    I am having that issue now. But when I tried to log into the Outlook on the web on my MacBook it gave multiple options. Since I could not use the authenticator, because it kept referring men to my email account, that kept referring me to authenticator, I ended up selecting the option that had a phone number I used when I created the accounts on go daddy. I was able to log into the Web. Now I should be able to scan the QR code and get authenticator going. I had to use my Admin Email that I REGISTERED Authenticator with. You can fine the email you used to register the account. I reset my phone because I didn't write down my new 6 digit passcode. SO when I reset it to factory I must have ruined the security. Now I will see if I can get back into my other email accounts and have them linked to Authenticator.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-06T12:53:33+00:00

    Hi William,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble accessing your account. Based on my search results, it seems like you’re stuck in a loop where the Authenticator app is asking you to authenticate using the app itself.  This can happen if you’ve removed your account from the app after adding it previously. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue:

    1. Go to mysignins.microsoft.com and under security and info, manage login verification methods. Delete Microsoft Authenticator as an option and then re-add it ^2^.
    2. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Authenticator app. Tap Settings and make sure App updates is turned on. Make sure the device requires a PIN or biometric to unlock (lock screen). Try to re-enable faceID or fingerprint in the device settings and restart the device ^3^.
    3. If the above steps don’t work, you may need to contact your Microsoft 365 admin to help you disable Multi-factor authentication for your account. Then re-enable Multi-factor authentication for your account. You may need to reinstall the Authenticator app and then set up the Microsoft Authenticator app again

    I hope this helps you regain access to your account. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

    Regards,

    Roderick L

    Microsoft Moderator

    The account I'm trying to fix IS the admin account and is in a constant loop. Who/how can I contact? I've tried everything in this thread. Different phones, different browsers, etc.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-03-03T14:23:20+00:00

    Hi Roderick,

    Thanks for the message, i tried as shared above message and its working, I logged on my account ..

    Thanks,

    Dilhibabu U

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