Authenticator app

Question

I am trying to use my Authenticator app, however it tells me I need to sign into the Microsoft account I have. When I try to do so it says that I need to open the Authenticator app and put in the number that it gave me. However, I am already in the Authenticator app. There are no other options that the app lets me do in order to sign in except for enter the code in my Authenticator app. I have tried for an hour to figure this out, but how am I supposed to open the Authenticator app and put in number if the app is what’s giving me the number and there is no spot to do so.

Answer 1

This loop happens when the account is configured so that Authenticator is the only verification method, but the app itself is not yet fully registered or is trying to use passwordless sign‑in without being set up.

To break the loop, the account needs an alternative way to verify, or the Authenticator registration must be reset by an admin.

1. Try a different verification method (if available)
   When signing in to the Microsoft account, look for options such as:
   • "Other ways to sign in"
   • Text message (SMS) code
   • Phone call
   • Security key / passkey
   • Another authenticator app code
   If any of these are available, use that method to complete sign‑in, then review and update security info:
   • Add Microsoft Authenticator again as a verification method.
   • Add at least one backup method (SMS, phone call, or security key) so sign‑in does not depend only on Authenticator.
2. If this is a work or school (Microsoft Entra ID) account
   • Contact the organization’s Microsoft 365/Entra administrator.
   • Ask them to reset multifactor authentication (MFA) for the account and require re‑registration of the Authenticator app.
   • In Microsoft Entra admin center, the admin can go to Users → All users → [your account] → Authentication methods → Require re‑register multifactor authentication.
   • After reset, sign in again and set up Authenticator from scratch using the QR code or setup link.
3. If this is a personal Microsoft account and no alternative method works
   • Use the account recovery and security info options for personal Microsoft accounts to regain access with another method (email, SMS, or security key).
   • If recovery fails and Authenticator is the only configured method, support escalation (Data Protection team) is required to reset MFA from Microsoft’s side, as forum moderators and apps cannot bypass this.

Once access is restored and Authenticator is re‑registered, sign‑in flows should work as described:

• Enter username on the site, choose Send notification or Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app.
• Open Authenticator, approve the request or enter the number shown on the sign‑in screen.
• Avoid removing backup methods so the account does not get locked into the same loop again.

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References:

• Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
• Sign in using two-step verification or security info
• Authenticator Did Not Complete Login
• Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A