A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
The verification options shown (code from Microsoft Authenticator or approving a request in the app) mean the account is currently configured to use Microsoft Authenticator as the only authentication method. If no code or prompt appears in the app, the app on the phone is not providing a valid second factor for that sign-in.
Key points and actions based on documented behavior:
- Use pull-to-refresh or the Refresh button in Authenticator
- For sign-ins that are considered anomalous or from unfamiliar locations, push notifications might not appear automatically. In that case, open Microsoft Authenticator (or Authenticator Lite in Outlook), pull down to refresh or tap Refresh, and then approve the pending request if it appears.
- Try an alternative verification method if available
- If another method (SMS, email code, security key, etc.) is configured on the account, use that instead of Authenticator. If the current screen only shows Authenticator options, look for a link such as “I can’t use my app right now” or “Use a different verification option” and select it.
- If no other method works or is available
- For work or school accounts, contact the organization’s Help desk or Microsoft 365/Entra administrator and ask them to clear or reset the MFA settings so that Authenticator can be re-registered. After they clear the settings, the next sign-in will prompt to set up Authenticator again.
- If the account is a personal Microsoft account and verification codes are not arriving by any method, follow the guidance in the verification-code troubleshooting article, including checking the correct mailbox, avoiding repeated requests, and using the sign-in helper tool if unable to sign in.
- If still blocked from signing in
- Use the sign-in helper tool if unable to sign in to a personal Microsoft account.
- If issues persist, contact Microsoft Support and request further assistance, noting that support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details but can help route to the appropriate support path.
References:
- Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
- Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
- Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
- Authenticator app not sending code to my email - Microsoft Q&A
- Having problems getting text codes to confirm my account - Microsoft Q&A
- Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
- Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
- Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A