Authenticator App Does Not Receive Verification Codes

Mike Faul 20 Reputation points
2026-01-08T19:33:50.1233333+00:00

I am the global administrator for our Microsoft 365 implementation. I am trying to resent my password, and when I logon and initiate the password change MS 365 tells me to enter the verification code sent to my MS Authenticator App.

When I go to the MSA no verification codes are displayed.

I tried logging off and on from the MSA and I end up in the same loop, the app says it sent a code to the app, but no code is displayed.

I uninstalled and reinstalled the MSA and there is no change.

I turned WiFi off, and no change, no codes received under cellular.

I also checked all of my settings on my iphone and notifications are all set to "YES" / "ON"

I downloaded the MSA on an iPad and got the same results.

I also tried to reset my password in the Admin Center, and it won't allow it until I enter codes sent to the authenticator, but no codes are ever received in the authenticator, so I can't enter codes to finalize the reset.

If anyone knows how to resolve this, please let me know.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Other
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Answer accepted by question author

John Oliver 11,670 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-01-08T20:23:44.2333333+00:00

Hello Mike Faul, thanks for posting this in the community.

From the behavior you described no push notifications, no verification codes showing in the app, getting stuck in a password‑reset loop, and the same results across multiple devices the issue typically points to authentication settings not syncing correctly, a time‑sync problem affecting code generation, or an Authenticator registration that is no longer valid. Microsoft Authenticator relies on correct automatic time settings, so make sure your iPhone is set to automatic time by going to Settings > General > Date & Time and enabling Set Automatically, then restart the device.

Because the app was reinstalled on more than one device, it’s very likely that the Authenticator no longer contains your MFA registration. Reinstalling the app removes all accounts unless they were backed up and restored, and when no accounts appear, the app cannot generate codes or receive notifications.

If your work account no longer appears in the Authenticator app, the next step is to request an MFA reset from another global admin in the tenant. If you are the only admin, you will need to contact Microsoft Support for business accounts so they can assist with an MFA reset and help you recover access.

Kind regards,

John Oli

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  1. Mike Faul 20 Reputation points
    2026-01-08T22:33:31.6233333+00:00

    Thanks John Oli...

    I was able to access the Admin Center in Teams and create another global admin. I then signed on to Asure and did the MFA reset. That was exactly what was needed. Then I reset the MFA on my standard Admin Acct and was able to finally connect authenticator. All is well... many thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-01-08T19:34:01.09+00:00

    It sounds like you're experiencing issues with receiving verification codes in your Microsoft Authenticator App. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

    1. Check for Third-Party App Interference: Sometimes, third-party security apps may block verification code notifications. If you have any such apps, consider disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
    2. Use Alternative Verification Methods: If you continue to have problems with the Authenticator App, you might want to try using a phone call method for verification instead. This can be set up in your security settings.
    3. Ensure App is Updated: Make sure that your Microsoft Authenticator App is up to date. Check the App Store for any available updates.
    4. Clear App Data: If reinstalling the app did not help, try clearing the app data (if possible) or resetting the app settings to see if that resolves the issue.
    5. Check Notification Settings: Double-check that notifications for the Authenticator App are enabled in your iPhone settings, as you mentioned they are, but it’s worth verifying again.
    6. Contact Support: If none of these steps work, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance, especially since you are a global administrator and may have access to additional support resources.

    If you continue to face issues, it may be beneficial to consult the Microsoft support documentation or community forums for more tailored assistance.

    References:

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

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