Lossed access to my Authenticator

Christoffer Widding 0 Reputation points
2026-08-13T12:09:37.98+00:00

Hi, I have most access to my Authenticator device. Would it be possible to reset it?

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-13T12:09:55.06+00:00

    Yes, but the path depends on whether this is a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account.

    • Work or school account: there is no direct self-service reset if the lost Authenticator device was the only sign-in method. On the sign-in screen, select Sign in another way and use any other registered method if available. If no other method works, contact the organization’s IT admin or Help desk and ask them to clear/reset MFA methods or require re-registration. After that, sign in again and register Microsoft Authenticator on the new device. Warning: resetting MFA methods removes previous authentication methods, so a new method must be set up at next sign-in.
    • Personal Microsoft account: if other verification methods are still available, sign in to the Microsoft account dashboard, go to Security > Advanced security options, and remove the old Authenticator device under Ways to prove who you are. Then add Authenticator again on the new phone. If the account is passwordless, a password can be added back from Additional security options.
    • If Authenticator was backed up and restored: restored work/school accounts and passwordless accounts still require signing in again. If Action required appears, open the account in Authenticator, tap the account tile, choose the sign-in option to recover it, then enter the password and complete the extra verification.
    • If the old device was lost or stolen: use a different sign-in method if available and notify the organization’s Help desk so they can clear the old settings.
    • If login is failing during setup on the new phone: make sure Authenticator is unlocked, notifications are enabled, the app is updated, the device has internet access, and date/time settings are correct.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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