can't sign in to Outlook on my phone because the authenticator wasn't set up and the service doesn't send a code to my phone. It just saying not working at this time.

If the account is a work or school account, use this path:

1. Try another verification method on the sign-in screen, such as email or any other method already registered.
2. Check the account’s security methods at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2311958 and select Update info. If none of the listed methods work, choose I don't have any of these.
3. If the service is not sending a text code:
   • Do not make excessive or repeated code requests.
   • Check whether the phone blocks texts from unknown numbers.
   • Make sure the phone inbox is not full.
   • Confirm the phone number shown in Security info is correct.
   • If a VOIP number was added, replace it with a mobile phone number.
4. If Outlook mobile sign-in is involved, install the latest Outlook mobile app. Recurring prompts can happen when the app is outdated.
5. If Outlook is being used for sign-in codes, open Outlook app → Home → Settings → Accounts → select the account → Sign-in requests → copy the code and paste it into the sign-in page. Codes refresh every 30 seconds.
6. If Microsoft Authenticator shows Authentication did not complete, check:
   • the app is unlocked
   • notifications are enabled and not silent
   • the app is updated
   • the phone has internet access; try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data
   • date and time are correct
7. If the account is managed by an organization and self-service password reset is allowed, use https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/. Otherwise, contact the IT administrator.

If the account is a personal Microsoft account:

1. Use the Microsoft sign-in helper tool: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2286413
2. If Outlook mobile is part of the sign-in flow, update to the latest Outlook mobile app.
3. If using Outlook mobile to get a sign-in code, go to Home → Settings → Accounts → select the account → Sign-in requests, then copy the code and paste it into the sign-in page.

• Can't sign in to the Outlook mobile app
• Using Outlook mobile to sign in
• Authentication did not complete
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account