How Do I Reset Forgotten Microsoft Authenticator PIN Code?

Question

Hi,

I forgot my pin code and I can't access the Authenticator or other apps that require using the Authenticator.

Is there any other way for me to recover my Authenticator account?

Answer 1

The PIN used for opening the Microsoft Authenticator is the same as the PIN used to unlock your device. The authenticator app is tied to the devices user credentials.

For example; if the authenticator app is on your phone, and the PIN for your phone is 123456, the PIN for the MS authenticator is 123456.

Answer 2

Thanks, that’s helpful. Can I suggest the Authenticator message be changed to refer to “device pin” rather than “current pin” as this is confusing since no pin is used in setting up the App.

Answer 3

I believe using the same pin to unlock the iPhone (or any phone) and MS Authenticator creates a major security risk.

Today's thieves steal phones and requires victims to give up the phone's pins. Thieves then go on a buying spree and have access to the Authenticator objects. Simply because they have the phone's pin. There should be a way to setup different pins between the phone and the Authenticator app.

Answer 4

The PIN used for opening the Microsoft Authenticator is the same as the PIN used to unlock your device. The authenticator app is tied to the devices user credentials.

For example; if the authenticator app is on your phone, and the PIN for your phone is 123456, the PIN for the MS authenticator is 123456.

THIS WORKED PERFECTLY - - THANK YOU

I HAD SET A PIN FOR MY AUTHENTICATOR AND I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS

BUT I HAD CHANGED MY PHONE PIN RECENTLY AND HAD NO IDEA THAT WOULD ALSO CHANGE MY AUTHENTICATOR PIN

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Answer 5

Hello AlonDvir1, thanks for coming into forums. I'm Myk, an Independent Advisor and I'll be more than happy to help you.

If you're using a Microsoft Account that has been provided by Work/School, you may reach out to your IT Admin for them to remove the previous Authenticator setup to your Account.

You may also try the steps below:

1. Sign in to https://myaccount.microsoft.com/
2. On the Security info page, select the Delete link next to the Authenticator app.
3. Select Yes when asked to confirm to delete the authenticator app. After the authenticator app is deleted, it's removed from your security info and it disappears from the Security info page. If the authenticator app is your default method, the default changes to another available method.

Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/33452159-6af9-438f-8f82-63ce94cf3d29

If you require any further information, then please don’t hesitate to get in contact. I will be more than happy to assist you further.

Kind Regards, Myk