Logging into Outlook Automatically brings me to Authenticator where I am not given option to Authenticate

This behavior usually means the Outlook sign-in flow is handing off to Microsoft Authenticator for number matching, but the authentication step is not completing inside Authenticator.

Try these steps in order:

1. Make sure Authenticator can complete sign-in
   • Open Microsoft Authenticator directly (do not start from Outlook).
   • Ensure the app is unlocked and not showing any lock icon or PIN prompt.
   • Confirm notifications are allowed for Authenticator in the phone’s settings and not set to “silent.” Silent or blocked notifications can prevent the approval UI from appearing and cause “authentication did not complete” failures.
2. Check for “Authentication did not complete” conditions If Outlook reports that authentication failed or times out, verify the common causes:
   • Authenticator is unlocked.
   • Notifications are enabled and not silenced for Authenticator.
   • The app is up to date via the app store.
   • The phone has a stable internet connection (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data).
   • The device date and time are set correctly (automatic time is recommended).
   These are the documented reasons for the “Authentication did not complete” message and can cause the loop where Outlook sends to Authenticator but no input field appears.
3. Approve from inside Authenticator instead of waiting for a prompt
   • When Outlook sends the number challenge and switches to Authenticator, stay in Authenticator.
   • In Authenticator, pull down to refresh the accounts list or tap Refresh if available.
   • Tap the relevant account and look for the pending sign‑in request to approve.
   • If using notifications, approve the sign‑in there instead of looking for a numeric entry box.
4. If using an older or secondary device
   • If Authenticator is still installed on an old phone, the push request may be going there instead of the current phone. Open Authenticator on any previous device and approve there, or remove old devices from the account’s security settings once access is restored.
5. If the loop continues
   • Remove and reinstall Microsoft Authenticator, then sign in and re‑register it as an MFA method if another verification method (SMS, email, backup method) is available.
   • If this is a work or school account and sign‑in still fails, contact the organization’s IT admin to reset MFA settings so Authenticator can be set up again cleanly.

References:

• Authentication did not complete
• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Can't sign in to the Outlook mobile app
• Using Outlook mobile to sign in