The Microsoft Authenticator app logged me out and now it won’t let me log into it again

Follow these steps to get Microsoft Authenticator working again:

1. Make sure the app can show prompts

• Open the phone’s Settings.
• Find Notifications → Microsoft Authenticator.
• Ensure notifications are allowed, with sound/vibration enabled (no “silent” mode for the app).
• Confirm the phone is not in Do Not Disturb/Quiet mode.

2. Check network and time settings

• Ensure the phone has a stable internet connection (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data).
• Set Date & Time to automatic and confirm the time is correct, then restart the phone.

3. Update or reinstall Authenticator

• Go to the app store and make sure Microsoft Authenticator is updated to the latest version.
• If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the app, then sign in again.

4. Fix “Authentication did not complete” / stuck login If the app shows or behaves like “Authentication did not complete”:

• Unlock the Authenticator app before trying to approve any request.
• Ensure notifications are not blocked or silenced.
• Confirm network connectivity and correct device time.

5. If accounts/credentials did not restore

• If backup restore fails because the backup account cannot be accessed, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper to recover that backup account.
• If restore still does not work, re-add accounts manually following the steps in How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator.

6. If push notifications never arrive

• If notifications don’t arrive at all:
  • Check if other apps receive notifications; if not, there may be a phone or OS notification channel issue.
  • If some accounts work and others don’t, remove the problematic account from Authenticator and add it again, allowing notifications.

If none of these steps resolve the issue and the account is a work/school account, contact the organization’s IT admin or Microsoft Support for further assistance.

References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
• How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs