Where is my authenticator on my galaxy s26+

On a new Galaxy phone, Microsoft Authenticator is not installed or set up by default. The sign-in screen is asking for approval from the Microsoft Authenticator app (or another authenticator method) that was previously configured on the Hotmail (Microsoft) account.

To get past the prompt, either:

1. Install and set up Microsoft Authenticator on the Galaxy S26+
   1. On the Galaxy, install the Microsoft Authenticator app from the app store.
   2. On a browser, go to the Microsoft account Security page: https://account.microsoft.com/security and sign in to the Hotmail account.
   3. Select Manage how I sign in.
   4. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
   5. Choose Use an app.
   6. On the screen, select Get it now if needed, or Set up a different Authenticator app, then Next to show the QR code.
   7. On the Galaxy, open Authenticator, tap the + icon, choose Personal account, then Scan a QR code and scan the code shown in the browser.
   8. Complete the prompts so Authenticator is added as a sign-in method.
2. Or, use Outlook mobile as the authenticator (Android only)
   1. Install Outlook for Android on the Galaxy.
   2. Sign in with the Hotmail account.
   3. If going passwordless, follow the steps under I need to set up an Authenticator app:
      • Sign in to the Microsoft account Additional security options.
      • Under Passwordless account, select Turn on.
      • Follow the prompts and approve the request in Outlook or Authenticator.

Once Authenticator (or Outlook mobile) is set up on the Galaxy, when the sign-in page shows a number and says to use the Authenticator, open the app on the phone, tap the notification or the account, enter or tap the matching number, and approve the sign-in.

If the account was previously protected by Authenticator on an old phone and that phone is no longer available, sign in to the Microsoft account security page in a browser using any available verification method (SMS, email, backup method), then add the new Authenticator on the Galaxy using the steps above.

References:

• How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
• Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator
• How to go passwordless with your Microsoft account
• Using Outlook mobile to sign in