Authenticator Issues with Outlook on iOS

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   • Confirm the app is up to date and notifications are enabled, as outdated versions or blocked notifications can prevent the challenge from completing.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:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Using Outlook mobile to sign in