My authenticator app for my college email isn't working

Mckenzie Osburn 0 Reputation points
2026-05-09T11:42:18.8833333+00:00

Every time I try and go into my authenticator app to see if I got a code for my school Gmail so I can login to my account it doesn't show up?

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-09T11:42:30.48+00:00

    Try the following checks and fixes on the phone with Microsoft Authenticator installed:

    1. Confirm the phone is online
      • Make sure Wi‑Fi or mobile data is working and Airplane mode is off.
      • If using VPN, disconnect it and try again.
    2. Update Authenticator and the device
      • Open the app store and update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version.
      • In Authenticator, go to Settings and turn App updates on.
      • Make sure the phone’s OS and any security apps (like Microsoft Defender or Intune Company Portal, if used by the college) are up to date.
    3. Check notification settings
      • In Authenticator: Settings → Notification Settings → Show notifications must be turned on.
      • In the phone’s system Settings, ensure notifications are allowed for Microsoft Authenticator and that battery optimization is not blocking it (in Authenticator: Settings → Turn off battery optimization).
    4. Verify Google Play Services (Android only)
      • For Android, ensure Google Play Services and Google Play Store are installed, enabled, and up to date, since push notifications depend on them.
    5. Confirm the account is added correctly
      • Open Authenticator and check that the college account is listed.
      • Tap the account and look for a One-time password code (6‑digit code). If present, use that code to sign in instead of waiting for a push notification.
    6. If QR or setup isn’t working
      • Ensure Authenticator is the latest version; older versions may not scan QR codes correctly.
      • If the app shows errors like “We could not complete the sign-in at this time,” confirm notifications and network are enabled, then remove the account from Authenticator and re-add it using the college’s MFA setup page.
    7. If nothing works
      • For a school account, contact the college IT/help desk and ask them to reset or clear MFA settings for the account so Authenticator can be set up again from scratch.

    References:

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

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