Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
Is there a way to toggle off the default auth app so i can log in without needing a passcode?
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Rebecca forsythe
0
Reputation points
I am to start a new job that uses ONLY Microsoft Authenticator. I have tried to download the newest version to my Google Pixel 9A phone 5x now. Each time, I can't access the app without it asking me to enter my screen lock to access "Authenticator". I have tried using the screen lock on my phone and no success. When downloading the app, it didn't ask me to set up a passcode or screen lock code and without it I can't toggle off the default to lock the app. I am unable to log in and without this app, I don't have a job to access. The company's IT department doesn't accept nor use any other form of authenticator.
My phone is not in lock mode when the app is asking me to do this. If I enter work info, i still get the message stating that the app default to lock was enabled -- when i have gone in multiple times and toggled it off.
How do I correct this? I'm supposed to start working this Thursday. I have tried to access my setting up a personal account, a work email account, using the QR code option and each attempt brings me to the screen lock passcode and i can't get in any further. Please note I don't have another screen lock code other than the one I use for my phone and this app is not accepting that either.
At a loss.
Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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Carolyne 1,151 Reputation points Microsoft Employee2026-03-18T12:16:13.2933333+00:00 Hello Rebecca!
You can’t fully turn off the Authenticator app lock if your phone doesn’t have a supported screen lock enabled—Microsoft Authenticator requires a device-level PIN, pattern, or biometric on Android; if the phone lock isn’t correctly set or recognized, the app will block access and ignore the togglle. The fix is to reconfigure the phone’s screen lock (Settings > Security > Screen lock), reboot, then reinstall Authenticator; if it still fails, your company IT must reset your MFA methods or allow temporary alternative verification, as this behavior can’t be bypassed in the app itself
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