Microsoft Authenticator

Question

When I go to log into my account on my computer it says enter a code displayed on my app but there is no code displayed on my app. I’ve tried refreshing it multiple times and it’s still not working. Please help.

Answer 1

Follow these steps to resolve the missing code issue in Microsoft Authenticator:

1. Confirm what the sign-in page is asking for
   • If the page says “Enter the code displayed in your app”, it usually expects either:
     • A number match prompt (you approve a notification and tap the matching number), or
     • A time-based one-time password (OTP) such as a 6‑ or 8‑digit code shown under the account in Authenticator.
   • Open Microsoft Authenticator and tap the account entry. Look for a line like “One-time password code” with a changing numeric code. If it exists, use that code.
2. If no code is shown for the account
   • Make sure the app is working correctly on the device:
     1. Ensure the device is online (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, and confirm Airplane mode is off).
     2. Open Settings in Authenticator and:
        • Turn App updates on and confirm you are on the latest version.
        • Turn Battery optimization off for Authenticator.
        • Go to Notification Settings and ensure Show notifications is turned on.
     3. Make sure the device’s Date & time are correct and the device OS and any security apps (Microsoft Defender, Intune Company Portal) are up to date.
     4. If using a VPN, disconnect and try again.
3. If the sign-in shows “Authentication did not complete” or never prompts properly
   • Check for these common causes:
     • App is locked: Unlock Microsoft Authenticator on the phone; if it is locked, the prompt or code box may not appear.
     • Silent or blocked notifications: Turn on notifications for Authenticator in the phone’s system settings and in the app (see step 2). Then retry sign-in.
     • Outdated app: Install the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator from the store using the official download link in the documentation.
     • Network issues: If prompts don’t arrive, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data and retry.
     • Device date/time incorrect: Fix date/time and retry.
4. Try another verification method if available
   • On the sign-in page, look for options like “Use a different verification option”, “I can’t use my authenticator app right now”, or SMS/email code options.
   • If an SMS or email verification method is configured, use that to sign in and then review/update your security info.
5. If still no code and no alternative method works
   • For work or school accounts: contact the organization’s help desk or Microsoft 365/Entra administrator and ask them to reset your MFA or require re-register multifactor authentication for your account in the Microsoft Entra admin center.
   • For personal Microsoft accounts: sign in to the Security basics page using any method that still works (backup email, SMS) and update the security info, replacing or reconfiguring the Authenticator method.

These steps address the common causes where the app shows only the account list but no usable code, or where the sign-in page and app are out of sync.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
• Reset Personal Azure MFA - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A
• Having problems getting text codes to confirm my account - Microsoft Q&A