my iphone stucked on "connecting" forever when trying to authoritize my device to login Microsoft account

Shaojun Wang 0 Reputation points
2026-05-28T13:07:10.2033333+00:00

i got a new device that i need to login my microsoft account, and it requires running Authenticator app on my Iphone to authoritize the device. successfully loged into my Authenticator app with the same account i am trying to log in and scanned the QR code which my computer showed for authoritizing. However, after confirming to auth my device, my phone stucked on "connecting" screen forever, with no responses from my computer. I've tried the process for many times and they all end up in the same result. What should i do to solve this problem so that i can use my new computer normally

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-28T13:07:27.89+00:00

    Follow these steps in order, testing sign-in again after each step:

    1. Make sure Microsoft Authenticator is unlocked
      • Open Authenticator on the iPhone and ensure it is not showing as locked.
      • If it is locked and will not unlock, uninstall the Authenticator app, reinstall it, and then sign in and re-add the account.
    2. Check notifications on the iPhone
      • In iOS Settings → Notifications → Authenticator, ensure notifications are allowed and not set to Deliver Quietly.
      • In the Authenticator app, go to Settings → Notification Settings and make sure Show notifications is turned on.
    3. Update Authenticator and iOS
      • Ensure the iPhone has the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator installed. Microsoft does not support app versions more than 12 months old.
      • Update iOS to the latest version available.
    4. Check network connectivity
      • On the iPhone, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data to rule out a network issue.
      • Make sure Airplane mode is off and any VPN is temporarily disabled.
    5. Turn off battery optimization for Authenticator
      • In the Authenticator app, go to Settings and select Turn off battery optimization (or equivalent power-saving settings) so the app can stay connected while approving the sign-in.
    6. Verify date and time settings
      • On the iPhone, ensure Date & Time are set correctly (preferably “Set Automatically”). Incorrect time can cause the “connecting” state to never complete.
    7. Try an alternate verification method or password reset if needed
      • On the PC sign-in screen, choose “Sign in another way” (if available) and use SMS, email, or another method to complete sign-in.
      • If credentials are not working, use the password reset flow: Reset your password.

    If the problem persists after these steps and no prompt ever completes, contact the organization’s IT admin (for work/school accounts) so they can review sign-in logs and, if necessary, reset MFA methods and require re-registration.

    References:

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