A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
Account and authenticator resets cannot be performed.
To regain access when the Microsoft Authenticator app is no longer available on a new phone, use one of these supported paths, depending on the type of account and admin setup:
- If this is a work or school (business) account and there is another admin
- Contact the organization’s Microsoft 365/Entra administrator.
- The admin signs in to the Microsoft Entra admin center (https://entra.microsoft.com).
- Go to Users → All users → [select user] → Authentication methods.
- Select Require re-register multifactor authentication.
- After this, sign-in will prompt to set up Microsoft Authenticator again on the new phone.
- If this is a work or school account and there is no other admin (only one admin on the tenant)
- Call the regional Microsoft customer service phone number listed at Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support.
- When the automated system asks, indicate:
- Issue: Authenticator.
- Product: Office 365 for business.
- Account type: Company account.
- Role: Administrator.
- Other admins: No.
- Request: Create a ticket with the Data Protection team to reset MFA/authentication methods.
- The Data Protection team follows identity-verification procedures and can reset MFA so that sign-in and Authenticator registration can be reconfigured.
- If this is a personal Microsoft account (Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, etc.)
- During sign-in, choose I don’t have any of these when asked for a verification method.
- Follow the prompts to recover the account and update security info (phone/email). This process replaces old security methods so that new verification options can be set up.
- If SMS or email codes are also failing
- Ensure the phone number or email on file is still accessible and correctly configured.
- If codes still do not arrive or cannot be used, use I don’t have any of these during sign-in and complete the recovery flow, or contact support as described above so a Data Protection case can be opened.
Phone callbacks or direct code delivery by support agents are not allowed; support can only assist by opening a case and guiding through identity verification and MFA reset.
References:
- Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
- Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A
- Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
- I need to reset my mfa methods - Microsoft Q&A
- I have a Micrsoft business account and I am the admin and the only user registered under this account. I can't log in because i have replaced my phone and the authenticator doesn't work. - Microsoft Q&A
- Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
- Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account