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

Anonymous
2024-02-07T01:09:21+00:00

I posted this a few days ago, but I guess it was closed.

But here is what is going on:

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.

Roderick L replied with this recommendation:

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.

And then it was closed without me replying. But I did finally get a ticket number and was told the Data Protection Unit would call me to resolve it within 24-48 hours. That was 6 days ago and nothing. I'm currently on hold after giving them my ticket number and I've been on hold for 4 hours. The hold music is driving me insane.

I did what Roderick recommended, but when I clicked on teh Security and Info option, I just got a loading message. Eventually, it did ask me to login to view it, but then it wanted my passcode from the Authenticator app. Which obviously isn't set up and won't work.

I don't know how Microsoft can expect me to run my business with no access to email for 6 days and counting.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For business | Other

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-03T13:09:35+00:00

    Fixed!!

    Go to the Security Panel in your Microsoft Account and REMOVE the authenticator as one of the ways to verify your account.

    I was able to immediately add back my Outlook account to my new phone.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-21T19:44:30+00:00

    I can not login to admin center becasuse when I want to login, I need to be verified by authentificator, but it doesnt work, so, I can not login to admin center to dissable authentificator because I need authentificator to login to admin center, that is realy stupid software and stupid idea !

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-15T01:23:34+00:00

    Hello William and everyone,

    Thank you for your instructions. I was able to delete and reinstall Microsoft Authenticator, and it's working for me now. But I think the Technical team need to look into the Microsoft Authenticator issue since it ask to enter the 2 digits code in the app while we're already in the app, but there is no option to enter.

    For anyone having a trouble with Microsoft Authenticator. You will need to go Outlook mobile app => go to Settings > Accounts > Microsoft 365 account > Authenticator. You will see 6 digits code to enter to outlook email that you will need to log in on web browser. And then follow with instructions posted by William you will able to reset the issue of Microsoft Authenticator.

    By the way, do you know how to enable the "Approve a sign-in request on the Authenticator" option in the Outlook mobile app? When I go to Settings > Accounts > Microsoft 365 account > Authenticator, the "Approve sign-ins" option is greyed out.

    I used to have this option available, and a 6-digit code would pop up. But now it's gone. It ask "use Microsoft Authenticator app" but this option on Authenticator app is also grey out.

    Thank you,

    Nathan M

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-05T07:14:44+00:00

    I'm having the same issue. I am trying to log into Outlook and Teams on my iphone. When I try to ender in UN & PW, I get forced to open authenticator app, which asks for the same log in details I try to enter into Teams and Outlook, then it asks me to enter an authenticator app code which I cannot access as the current window prevents it from opening. I go back and have to start the whole process again. I just seem to go around in circles and end up in the same spot, i.e. entering an authenticator code I cannot access as another window wis open and won't allow me to get a code.

    Same here. I've just given up trying to sign into Teams with my Skype ID - going round in circles - and have moved to Viber

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-03-03T15:09:19+00:00

    To do anything about multi authentication you need to be admin,,,

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