Not receiving approve sign in request on Authenticator app

This usually happens when the sign-in is using a different Authenticator method than the one expected, or the notification is not reaching the device that is currently registered for approvals.

Based on the symptoms:

• The 6-digit code means the app is set up to generate an OATH verification code for the account.
• The sign-in prompt on microsoftonline.com is trying to use notification approval in Authenticator.
• If no prompt appears, the approval request may be going to a different device, the app may be locked, notifications may be delayed/silent, or the sign-in may require opening Authenticator and refreshing manually.

Try these steps in order:

1. Open Authenticator manually during the sign-in
   • When microsoftonline.com says to approve the request, open Microsoft Authenticator directly.
   • If the sign-in is anomalous or the push does not appear automatically, pull down to refresh or tap Refresh, then look for the pending approval request.
   • If prompted, unlock the app first.
2. Check whether the request is going to an old phone
   • If Authenticator was previously active on another device, the push notification may still be sent there.
   • If the old device is still available, open Authenticator on that device and check for the approval request.
   • Remove old devices so future prompts do not go there.
3. Confirm notifications are actually usable, not just enabled
   • In Authenticator, go to Settings > Notification Settings and make sure Show notifications is turned on.
   • If the app is locked, the entry box may not appear until the app is unlocked.
   • If notifications are silent or delayed, check whether a code arrived silently.
4. Check app and device health
   • Update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version. Versions older than 12 months are not supported.
   • Make sure the device date and time are correct.
   • Switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
   • If using VPN, disconnect it and test again.
   • Turn off battery optimization for Authenticator for better sync performance.
   • Make sure the device OS and related security apps are up to date.
5. Use another sign-in method if available
   • On the sign-in page, select Other ways to sign in.
   • Then choose another available method such as SMS or a verification code.
   • This is the fastest workaround if push approval is failing.
6. If the account only shows a 6-digit code and never receives approval prompts
   • That indicates the account is available as a verification-code method, but notification approval may not be properly active for that account/device.
   • For a work or school account, if the issue continues after the checks above, contact the IT admin/helpdesk so the MFA method can be reset or re-registered.
   • Before escalating, capture logs from Authenticator using Send feedback from the app menu/settings.

If unexpected approval prompts ever appear, select Deny for any request that was not initiated.

References:

• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
• Authentication did not complete
• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator
• Using Outlook mobile to sign in