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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-03T14:05:57+00:00

    In order to get a real live person, you need to have an administrator role. They are the only ones who can put in a support ticket.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-02T21:20:24+00:00

    Finally found the fix!!! get into the admin user settings (have to have admin privilege) go in and select users, multifactor authenitication, select which user. and a window pops up that has 3 boxes to check. i checked all 3, save. then went to log in on the problem account. and it had me start over upon login to download microsoft authenticator app. (i uninstalled and deleted the app prior to this step) and went through the steps and made me scan a qr code and im back in!!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-02-19T09:21:18+00:00

    Perfect.

    Create a system that locks us out in a perpetual cycle of stupidity, and then make it so that no-one can contact MS to rectify it....

    2FA - "The sure-fire way to make sure you lock yourself out of your accounts at some point in the future" :)

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-02-12T20:51:45+00:00

    How do you get in touch with a live person? I keep being sent into an Ai loop.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-02-12T20:50:24+00:00

    I have the same problem. I NEVER set up authenticator for my business account but it is requiring an authenticator code to log in.

    If you call MS support, you get Ai that directs you to the Ai site which Googles useless things for you to try. To open a case, you need to log in which requires the Authenticator code. An endless loop of frustration.

    Microsoft has ceased to support their products beyond providing an Ai bot that looks up worthless answers for you.

    A person on the phone could solve this issue in a few minutes because, unlike Ai, they could actually grasp what is happening.

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    7 people found this answer helpful.
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