Authenticator Issues with Outlook on iOS

ROBERT PRICE 0 Reputation points
2026-04-26T17:22:21.2866667+00:00

I have the exact same issue as this person: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5438626/authenticator-issues

When trying to setup Outlook on iPhone, I am taken to the Authenticator app. Within the Authenticator app I am prompted to "Enter the code displayed in the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device".

I'm already in the Authenticator app on my mobile device. If I try to reopen it it just takes me to this exact same screen. The only way to attempt to get a code on teh app is to cancel out of the current dialog. So this is like a nonsensical circular reference. If I select "Sign in another way" I am given the option to use the Authenticator app or use a verification code. Both options tell me to get a code from the Authenticator app, which I can't get because I'm the authenticator app already and anything I do cancels the process. This is nonsense.outlook

Outlook | Outlook for mobile | Outlook for iOS | For home
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-04-26T17:22:44.6633333+00:00

    This circular prompt usually means the sign-in flow is stuck and the Authenticator app is not completing the challenge. Use these steps to break the loop and complete Outlook setup on iOS:

    1. Make sure Microsoft Authenticator is working correctly
      • Open Authenticator directly (not from Outlook) and verify it opens to the accounts list, not to a blocked or error screen.
      • Confirm the app is up to date and notifications are enabled, as outdated versions or blocked notifications can prevent the challenge from completing. See the tips in Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator for updating the app, turning off battery optimization, and checking notification settings.
    2. Use a TOTP code instead of the in-app prompt
      • On the Outlook sign-in page on iOS, when asked to verify, choose Use a verification code.
      • Switch to Authenticator, select the same account, and use the time-based one-time passcode (TOTP) shown there.
      • Enter that code back in the Outlook screen.
      • If Outlook is instead trying to use Outlook mobile as the authenticator, follow the documented steps to get a sign-in code from Outlook mobile (Home icon → Settings gear → General → Accounts → select account → Sign-in requests → copy the code) and paste it into the sign-in page.
    3. If “Authentication did not complete” appears
      • Ensure Authenticator is unlocked, the device has a working network connection, and the device date/time is correct.
      • If needed, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data and try again.

    If the loop persists after these steps, reset the sign-in attempt (close Outlook and Authenticator from the app switcher), then start the Outlook account add process again and immediately choose the verification-code option so that a TOTP code from Authenticator or Outlook mobile is used instead of a push prompt.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.