Authenticator App suspicious activity infinite loop, can't access teams on phone

Question

I open teams on phone and select my account, it directs me to authenticator where i put in my password. It says 'suspicious activity detected', then wants me to go to the authenticator app to put in a code. But.... I cant, as I am already on the authenticator app and cant put in a code without going off it. So I am stuck in an infinite loop of the authenticator app asking me to use the authenticator app when I cannot use it. This is only a problem on my phone. I have tried deleting the authenticator app.

Answer 1

Hi @James Penkman, 

Good day! I hope this message finds you well.

It's been a while since our last conversation, and I wanted to check in on how things are progressing with the issues we've discussed. Have you had a chance to review the answers we have provided?

If there is anything else, I can help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I would be happy to help.

Thank you again for your patience and for choosing Microsoft Q&A forum. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

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Answer 2

Hi @James Penkman, 

Good day! Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum and sharing the details of the issue you're experiencing with Microsoft Teams and the Authenticator app on your mobile device.  

I understand how inconvenient this situation can be, and I’m here to help you resolve it step by step. 

Based on your description, it appears that the sign-in process is redirecting you to the Authenticator app, which then asks for a code from the same app, creating a loop that prevents you from completing the sign-in. This can happen when the app is misconfigured or when the device is unable to properly handle the authentication flow. 

Here’s a clear and easy-to-follow solution that should help: 

1. If you’ve set up Microsoft Authenticator on another device (such as a tablet or second phone), open the app there and approve the sign-in request. If not, proceed to the next steps. 

2.  You can try to clear Authenticator App Cache and Data 

• Open your phone’s Settings. 
• Go to Apps > Authenticator > Storage. 
• Tap Clear Cache and then Clear Data. 
• Restart your phone. 
• Try signing in to Teams again. 

3. Try to be using a Backup Sign-In Method 

• On a web browser, go to My Sign-Ins. 
• Sign in with your account credentials. 
• Select Security Info. 
• Add or use an alternative sign-in method such as:  
  • SMS (text message) 
  • Email verification 
  • Another authenticator app 

This will allow you to bypass the loop and regain access. 

4. You can reset Authenticator from Account Settings 

If you can access your Microsoft 365 account from a desktop app: 

• Go to Account Settings. 
• Navigate to Security Info. 
• Remove the current Authenticator method. 
• Re-add it by scanning the QR code or following the setup instructions. 

5. If the issue continues, your IT administrator may need to reset your multi-factor authentication settings. Please reach out to them for assistance. 

If you have any questions or need help customizing this further, I’m here to assist you. Just let me know what you'd like to adjust, and I’ll be happy to guide you through it.  

Thank you again for your patience and for choosing Microsoft Q&A forum. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

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