Authenticator app never gives a code

Question

Authenticator app never gives a code

Hannah Izmajlowicz 15

My Authenticator app won’t give me codes for my work email. I am completely locked out of my work accounts from home which is a problem as now I can’t access my schedule. How can I get my Authenticator app to send codes again? I have tried deleting the app and reinstalling, unlinking all accounts and relinking, tried messing around with security settings on my accounts but nothing works

Anonymous

2025-09-03T11:57:13.7466667+00:00

Hi Hannah,

Thanks for reaching out to the Q&A forum. In order to troubleshoot the issue, we’ll need a few additional details. I’ve requested the same via private message, please share the information so that we can proceed further.

Thanks
Anonymous

2025-09-08T09:00:58.07+00:00

Hi Hannah, I’ve sent you a private message kindly check and respond at your earliest convenience. Please share the requested details there, as they contain PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and should be handled securely. Thank you!
Anonymous

2025-09-09T12:33:43.6+00:00

Hi Hannah, just a gentle reminder, I had sent you a private message regarding the requested details. Kindly check and respond at your earliest convenience. As the information includes Personally Identifiable Information, please ensure it is shared securely via the private message. Thank you!
Ben Noble 0 Reputation points

2025-12-01T09:49:13.3933333+00:00

Hi. I had the same issue and it was because I had changed my phone. I had to contact my IT department and get them to reset the Authenticator and then scan the QR code and re register.

All working perfectly now.

1 answer

Your answer

Anonymous

2025-09-03T11:57:13.7466667+00:00

Hi Hannah,

Thanks for reaching out to the Q&A forum. In order to troubleshoot the issue, we’ll need a few additional details. I’ve requested the same via private message, please share the information so that we can proceed further.

Thanks
Anonymous

2025-09-08T09:00:58.07+00:00

Hi Hannah, I’ve sent you a private message kindly check and respond at your earliest convenience. Please share the requested details there, as they contain PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and should be handled securely. Thank you!
Anonymous

2025-09-09T12:33:43.6+00:00

Hi Hannah, just a gentle reminder, I had sent you a private message regarding the requested details. Kindly check and respond at your earliest convenience. As the information includes Personally Identifiable Information, please ensure it is shared securely via the private message. Thank you!
Ben Noble 0 Reputation points

2025-12-01T09:49:13.3933333+00:00

Hi. I had the same issue and it was because I had changed my phone. I had to contact my IT department and get them to reset the Authenticator and then scan the QR code and re register.

All working perfectly now.

Answer 1

Hi Hannah,

Based on your description, it seems you are unable to sign in to your account due to an incomplete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) process.

If your Microsoft Authenticator app is not generating codes and you’re locked out of your work account, the issue is likely with the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) registration on your account, not the app itself. Deleting and reinstalling the app won’t work unless the account is re-registered with your organization’s directory.

Steps to resolve:

Contact your organization’s IT / Global Administrator
- Since this is a work (Entra ID) account, only your organization’s Global Administrator (IT helpdesk) can reset or re-register your MFA settings.
- They can remove the existing Authenticator registration and allow you to set up the app again on your device.
Alternative verification methods.
- Check the Microsoft Account Security page (https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info) if you still have access from another device/browser.
Recovery when completely locked out:
If no backup method was set up and you cannot access your account at all, only your organization’s administrator can reset MFA for you.
Typically, another Global Administrator can assist in re-registering MFA on a device. However, if you're the sole Global Administrator in the tenant, this situation qualifies as a tenant lockout. To resolve this, it's necessary to engage Microsoft’s Data Protection team by raising a support ticket. They will be able to help restore access to your account. To move forward, I’ll need a few details from you. As the information includes Personally Identifiable Information (PII), please share the requested details securely via private message. Thanks.