A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
If the accounts are no longer visible in Microsoft Authenticator, the supported recovery path depends on whether a backup can be restored.
- If a restore was attempted and the app shows Action required next to an account:
- Open Authenticator.
- On the Accounts screen, tap the account.
- Tap the account tile, then choose the option to sign in and recover it.
- Enter the password, then confirm the email address or phone number for additional verification.
- If account credentials cannot be restored because the backup account cannot be accessed:
- Support agents cannot restore those credentials.
- Use the Microsoft account sign-in helper to regain access to the backup account: Sign-in helper
- If restore is not possible for another reason:
- Add the accounts again in Authenticator. The restore article explicitly states that accounts can be added again. For setup issues on work or school accounts, an administrator may need to allow the authentication method or resolve Conditional Access restrictions.
- If sign-in in Authenticator fails with Authentication did not complete:
- Make sure the Authenticator app is unlocked.
- Make sure notifications are enabled and not silent.
- Update to the latest version of Authenticator.
- Check internet connectivity and try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
- Verify the device Date & time settings are correct.
- If push notifications are not arriving:
- Check that the phone is not in Do Not Disturb or Quiet mode.
- In Authenticator, go to Settings > Notification Settings and make sure Show notifications is turned on.
- If notifications work for some accounts but not one specific account, remove that account and add it again, allowing notifications during setup.
- For work or school accounts on a new or reset phone:
- If another Global Administrator exists, that admin can reset MFA and require re-registration so the account can be set up again on the device.
- If no other admin can do this and the tenant is locked out, resolution may require a support ticket.
Gray or inactive account tiles created by other apps for single sign-on can be safely ignored.
- Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
- Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
- How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
- My Microsoft Authenticator app is no longer working and I'm logged out - Microsoft Q&A
- Unable to Log In Due to Microsoft Authenticator App Issue and Need Entra ID for Support. Can you help? - Microsoft Q&A