Microsoft Authenticator is not working on any device

The 2-digit number prompt means the sign-in is waiting for Microsoft Authenticator to complete the login, but the app is not finishing the process on your devices.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check Authenticator on the phone (primary device)
   • Open the Microsoft Authenticator app directly on the phone.
   • Make sure the app is not locked (no app lock screen or PIN blocking it). If it is locked, unlock it and keep it open while trying to sign in again.
   • Confirm the app is updated to the latest version from the app store.
2. Enable notifications for Authenticator
   The 2-digit number screen usually expects a matching prompt notification from Authenticator. If notifications are blocked, you will not see it.
   • On the phone, go to Settings → Notifications → Microsoft Authenticator.
   • Ensure notifications are allowed, with banners/alerts enabled and not set to silent.
   • Make sure the phone is not in Do Not Disturb/Quiet mode.
3. Check network and time settings
   • Ensure the phone has a working internet connection (Wi‑Fi or mobile data). If one network fails, switch to the other and retry the sign-in.
   • Confirm the device date and time are set correctly, preferably to automatic. Incorrect time can cause authentications to fail.
4. Retry the sign-in from PowerPoint on iPad
   • Close PowerPoint completely on the iPad.
   • Reopen PowerPoint and sign in with the correct Microsoft account (the one associated with the PowerPoint purchase or Microsoft 365 subscription).
   • When the 2-digit number appears, look immediately at the phone’s Authenticator app for the matching prompt and approve it.
5. If the Authenticator prompt never appears
   • On the phone, open Authenticator and verify that the correct work/school or Microsoft account is present.
   • If some accounts show as gray/inactive tiles, they can be ignored; focus on the account used for PowerPoint.
   • If notifications still do not arrive for that account, remove that account from Authenticator and add it again following the sign-in instructions from the app or from the Additional security verification page for work/school accounts.
6. If you see “Authentication did not complete” or similar errors
   • Ensure Authenticator is unlocked.
   • Confirm notifications are enabled and the app is updated.
   • Check network connectivity and device time as above.
   • If the issue persists and this is a work/school account, contact the organization’s IT admin to review and, if needed, reset MFA settings for the account.
7. If completely locked out of the account
   • If unable to sign in anywhere (phone, iPad, laptop) and cannot use alternative verification methods (like SMS or office phone), a password reset or MFA reset may be required. Use the account’s password reset option if available, or contact support/IT admin to regain access.

Once Authenticator is working and the sign-in completes successfully on one device (typically the phone), PowerPoint on the iPad should allow sign-in and use.

References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Use a screen reader to set up and troubleshoot multifactor authentication
• What you can do in the Microsoft 365 apps on mobile devices with a Microsoft 365 subscription