Trying to login into authenticator but it’s asking me for an authenticator code!

When the Microsoft Authenticator app asks for a code to sign in, but the only way to get that code is through the same app, the account is effectively stuck in an MFA loop. The app itself cannot break that loop; another verification method or an admin reset is required.

Use one of these paths:

1. Check for other sign-in methods

• On the sign-in page, after entering the username and password, look for options like Use a different verification option, I can’t use my authenticator app right now, or SMS/email codes.
• If any alternative method (text, call, backup email, security key, etc.) is available, use that to sign in and then update or remove the Authenticator registration.

2. If this is a work or school (organization) account

• Contact the organization’s IT admin and ask them to reset MFA for the account.
• Admin steps (summary from Entra admin center):
  1. Go to Microsoft Entra admin center → Users → All users.
  2. Select the affected user.
  3. Open Authentication methods.
  4. Select Require re-register multifactor authentication.
• After this reset, sign in again; the system will prompt to set up Authenticator from scratch with a new QR code.

3. If this is a business account and there is no other admin

• If the account is the only global admin and is locked out by MFA, the tenant’s MFA must be reset by Microsoft’s Data Protection team.
• Call Microsoft support using the regional number from Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support and request a ticket to the Data Protection team for an admin MFA reset. Clearly state:
  • It is an Office 365/Microsoft 365 for business account.
  • It is a company (not education) account.
  • The caller is the only administrator and cannot pass MFA because Authenticator is unavailable.

4. If this is a personal Microsoft account and no backup method works

• Use the Reset your password flow if the issue is actually forgotten credentials: Reset your password.
• If the problem is purely that Authenticator is required and there is no access to it or any backup method, recovery must be handled through Microsoft account support; the loop cannot be resolved from inside the app.

If, instead of a loop, the app shows “Authentication did not complete,” also verify:

• Authenticator is unlocked on the device.
• Notifications are enabled and not silent.
• The app is updated to the latest version.
• The device has a working internet connection and correct date/time.

References:

• Authenticator Did Not Complete Login
• Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator
• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
• I cant log in to my business account because it is requiring Authenticator app which I do not have - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A
• Reset Personal Azure MFA - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs