Authenticator app locked

Question

My Authenticator app is locked on my iPhone

how do I unlock it ? Please

Answer 1

On iPhone, Authenticator can be locked either by the app itself or by iOS.

Try these steps in order:

1. Make sure the app is actually unlocked
   • Open Microsoft Authenticator.
   • When prompted, enter the iPhone device passcode (or use Face ID/Touch ID).
   • If it still shows as locked immediately after entering the passcode, continue with step 2.
2. Force-close and reopen Authenticator
   • Swipe up from the bottom (or double-press Home on older devices) to open the app switcher.
   • Swipe Microsoft Authenticator up to close it.
   • Reopen Authenticator and try unlocking again with the iPhone passcode.
3. If it remains locked, reinstall Authenticator
   • On the home screen, press and hold the Authenticator icon and delete the app.
   • Reinstall it from the App Store using the official link: Get the app.
   • Open the app and set it up again with the accounts (this may require access to backup or to your sign-in methods for each account).

If, after reinstalling, sign-in still cannot be completed and “Authentication did not complete” appears, also check:

• That notifications are enabled for Authenticator in iOS Settings.
• That the device has internet access (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data).
• That the iPhone date and time are set correctly (Settings → General → Date & Time → Set Automatically).

If the password for the Microsoft account is no longer known, use the online option to reset it: Reset your password.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authenticator Did Not Complete Login
• Download Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Cannot unlock the Autheticator - Microsoft Q&A