I can’t set the app to backup to OneDrive or iCloud, because the verification code is not reaching my phone at all, be it via email or SMS.

Question

Hi,

I can’t set the app to backup to OneDrive or iCloud, because the verification code is not reaching my phone at all, be it via email or SMS.

I verified the spam folders and phone configurations to let SMS through, with no effect.

I verified with Microsoft Support that my account is valid and they gave me this link to diagnose the problem further.

Best Regards,

Answer 1

Hi @Ric,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand that you not getting a two factor authentication request. I could share with you some of my thoughts on this issue. 

For this, I recommend that you refer to the following steps to receive your verification code: 

Step 1: Clear Cache, cookies and browsing history  

1. Microsoft Edge: Click on the Edge browser interface, "..." in the upper right corner, select "Settings", "Clear browsing data", you can select the records you want to clear in this option (currently Edge does not have Shortcut keys for clearing)

2.If you're using a different browser, please use the shortcut CTRL+SHIFT+DEL click Clear Browsing Data or Clear Now. 

Step 2: Check Your Registered Devices and Add an Alternate 

This step allows you to verify the status of your linked devices. If your current device remains connected but you are still not receiving codes, we recommend adding an alternate device as a backup method. 

1. Go to My Sign-Ins | Security Info  
2. Choose "Sign-in method" section. This is where you'll see your registered phones, email addresses, and authenticator apps. 
3. Review the devices listed.  
4. Add an alternate device or method.  
5. Click Add sign-in method 
6. Choose a different option, such as another phone number (if you have one), a different email address, or even setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app on another device you own. 

Step 3: If you have another phone or tablet, try logging into your Microsoft account or Apple ID on that device and request a verification code. This helps figure out if the problem is with your current phone or your account itself. 

Hope these information helps. 

Please do let us know if you have any further queries. 

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Answer 2

Hi @Ric

Thanks for the update! I understand you're still having trouble getting verification codes for the Authenticator app backup from your iPhone to your iPad. From my experience, I have a few suggestions for each of your issues as listed below: 

• Regarding the backup process, while cloud backup (like to OneDrive or iCloud) is designed to help with this, it doesn't always reliably restore all accounts, which can lead to missing entries or invalid authentication codes. For this reason. We strongly recommend using the manual method to transfer your accounts. This ensures each account is properly set up and functional on your iPad, giving you reliable access when you need it. Please follow these steps: 

1. Go to My Sign-Ins | Security Info   
2. Choose "Sign-in method" section. This is where you'll see your registered phones, email addresses, and authenticator apps.  
3. Review the devices listed.   
4. Add an alternate device or method.   
5. Click Add sign-in method  
6. Choose a different option, such as another phone number/device (if you have one), a different email address, or even setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app on another device you own.  

• Troubleshooting Verification Codes for Authenticator: Since you're not receiving the code via email, I suggest you double-check if your email address in the system is correct. Please follow these steps below:

1. Sign in to your Security basics page with your Microsoft account.  Sign in 
2. Select Update info. 
3. Choose a method that you know works, or choose I don't have any of these to replace your security info. 

• As a moderator, I sincerely apologize that we don't have the resources in our lab environment to directly troubleshoot or simulate this specific issue.  

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. 
2. Tap the three dots or three lines (menu icon) in the top corner. 
3. Find and select "Send feedback"  

1. Follow the prompts to describe your issue in detail and submit the report.

 

Appreciate your patience and understanding. I hope your issues will be resolved soon. 

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