A suite of security solutions designed to protect identities, devices, and data across organizations. Including Intune, Entra, Authenticator, Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Defender, and more, it offers advanced threat protection, compliance management, and secure access to resources.
Follow these steps to resolve the issue where the Authenticator app is not giving a way to approve the request or show a code:
- Make sure the sign-in flow is using Authenticator
- On the sign-in page, after entering the username, select Send notification.
- If that option is not visible, select Other ways to sign in and then choose Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app.
- This ensures the sign-in is actually trying to use the Authenticator app.
- Open Authenticator and complete the request
- When prompted to Check your Authenticator app, open the Microsoft Authenticator app on the phone.
- If a number is shown on the sign-in screen, enter or tap the same number in Authenticator, then select Approve.
- If using a work or school account, unlock the app first if required.
- Fix “Authentication did not complete” / no prompt issues
If there is no prompt or the app says authentication did not complete:
- Ensure the app is unlocked: open Microsoft Authenticator and confirm it is not locked by a PIN/biometrics.
- Enable notifications: check the device’s notification settings so Authenticator notifications are not blocked or silenced.
- Update the app: install the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator.
- Check network: make sure the phone has internet access; if needed, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
- Verify date/time: ensure the device’s date and time are correct.
- If push notifications still do not appear
- Open the Authenticator app manually and pull down to refresh or tap Refresh to load pending requests.
- For some sign-ins, use the One-time password code (OATH code) shown under the account in Authenticator, if the sign-in page asks for a 6‑digit code instead of an approval.
- If access is still not possible
- For work/school accounts: contact the organization’s IT admin or Help desk and ask them to reset or clear MFA settings so Authenticator can be re-registered.
- If the device was changed or lost and there is no other sign-in method, the admin may need to involve Microsoft’s Data Protection team via a support ticket, as described in the referenced guidance.
References:
- Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator
- Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
- Authenticator Did Not Complete Login
- Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
- Authentication did not complete
- Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
- 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