Authenticator app issue

Question

I need to use the authenticator app to 2fa to try to recover my accounts. I'm using a new phone. When it asks for me to use my Microsoft authenticator, I am unable to as I don't have access. I am also going around in circles when following the other methods.

Answer 1

hi Steve Baker,
This is a very common problem when changing phones without transferring or backing up Microsoft Authenticator first.

If the Authenticator app on the old phone is no longer accessible, you usually need to use another recovery method such as:

• backup email,

SMS,

recovery code,

or another trusted device/session.

A few things to try:

On the sign-in page, select:

“I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now”

Try alternative verification methods carefully — sometimes the options are hidden under:

  “More ways to verify”
  
     or “Use a different verification option”
     

If you previously enabled cloud backup in Microsoft Authenticator:

install Authenticator on the new phone,

sign in with the same Microsoft account,

and restore from backup.

If you are completely locked out and stuck in recovery loops:

for personal Microsoft accounts, use:

https://account.live.com/acsr

for work/school accounts, an administrator may need to reset your MFA methods.

Unfortunately, without access to the old authenticator registration or another recovery method, Microsoft may require account recovery verification before MFA can be reset.
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Thank you so much,