A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
Follow these steps to regain access:
- Make sure Microsoft Authenticator can complete the sign-in
- Unlock the Authenticator app before trying to sign in.
- Ensure notifications are enabled and not set to silent for Authenticator so prompts or codes are visible.
- Confirm the device has a working internet connection (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data).
- Check that the device date and time are set correctly.
- Install the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator from your app store.
- Try alternative verification methods
- On the sign-in screen, if available, choose a different method (such as SMS, email code, or another registered method) instead of the app.
- If SMS codes are sent but not visible, check text messages carefully, including any silent or filtered messages.
- If the app was restored from backup
- Open Authenticator and, if you see “Sign in to restore your account” next to the account, tap Sign in and complete the additional verification (password plus email/phone confirmation) so the account can be used again.
- If this is a work or school account and you still cannot sign in
- Contact your organization’s Help desk or IT admin and ask them to reset or clear your MFA/authentication methods in Microsoft Entra so you can re-register the Authenticator app.
- If you are the only admin on a business tenant and are locked out, contact Microsoft Support by phone and request escalation to the Data Protection team so they can help reset your authentication methods.
- If you forgot your password
- Use the official password reset flow: Reset your password.
If none of the above works and no alternative method is available, direct assistance from your organization’s admin or Microsoft Support/Data Protection team is required to reset your MFA settings.
References:
- Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
- Authentication did not complete
- Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
- I need to reset my mfa methods - Microsoft Q&A
- Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
- I have a Micrsoft business account and I am the admin and the only user registered under this account. I can't log in because i have replaced my phone and the authenticator doesn't work. - Microsoft Q&A
- How Do I Regain Access to My Account After Losing Access to Microsoft Authenticator? (Urgent Request). - Microsoft Q&A
- Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A