MS Authenticator app loops during set up

Erik Cebrian 20 Reputation points
2026-07-14T17:32:26.7566667+00:00

When setting up a second profile/account in MS Auth, the process says it is completed after scanning the QR code and accepting the temporary access passcode (TAP) as expected but then it loops back to the beginning the of setup and has you do it all again.

The first profile works as expected so no issues there. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Assigned new passcodes. Checked for updates for both phone and the app. Made sure there was a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection.

Moved from Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator

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kagiyama yutaka 5,490 Reputation points
2026-07-20T02:15:56.9766667+00:00

I think the loop comes from old “Microsoft Authenticator” entries still in the user’s auth‑methods, and you can fix it by opening Entra → user → Authentication methods, removing those extra Authenticator rows, and adding the second profile again with a new TAP.

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  1. Jade Ng 15,665 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-07-15T01:09:30.75+00:00

    Dear @Erik Cebrian,

    Based on your description, the initial profile in Microsoft Authenticator is working correctly, but when you try to register a second profile using the QR code and Temporary Access Pass, the setup appears to complete successfully and then immediately returns to the beginning of the registration process, creating a loop.

    To help determine the cause, could you please provide the following details?

    1. Is the second account a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account?
    2. What type of device are you using and what OS version is installed?
    3. Please take a screenshot of the issue you're experiencing so I can better assist you.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding. I appreciate your continued trust. Hope you having a nice day and really much warm regards to you as well! 

    Looking forward to your response!

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