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Cannot login to authenticator

Burke, Brayden 0 Reputation points
2026-03-13T00:51:05.0366667+00:00

Microsoft authenticator has been signed out. In order to sign back into the app, it is asking me to give the number in my authenticator app. I obviously do not have access to the app. What can I do?

Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | Other | Other

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-13T00:51:29.4266667+00:00

    Because the app is signed out and cannot show the number prompt, another verification method or an admin reset is required; the app alone cannot be used to recover access.

    Try these steps, in order:

    1. Use another sign-in method for the account
      • Go to the site where sign-in is required.
      • Enter the username and select Next.
      • On the verification screen, select Other ways to sign in (or similar) and choose:
        • SMS/text code, or
        • Email code, or
        • A different registered method.
      • Complete sign-in using that method, then:
        • Turn off passwordless/MFA temporarily if needed.
        • Re-add Microsoft Authenticator as a sign-in method and scan the new QR code in the app.
    2. If the sign-in flow shows “Authentication did not complete”
      • Make sure Microsoft Authenticator is unlocked on the device and notifications are enabled.
      • Confirm the app is updated to the latest version.
      • Ensure the device has a working internet connection and correct date/time.
    3. If no backup method works and this is a personal Microsoft account
      • Use the Microsoft account sign-in helper to regain access to the backup account that holds the Authenticator backup.
      • If unable to restore from backup, add the accounts to Authenticator again after regaining access.
    4. If this is a work or school (Microsoft 365 business/education) account and there is an IT admin
      • Contact the organization’s IT admin and request an MFA reset for the account. After the reset, sign in with username and password and set up Authenticator again.
    5. If this is a work or school account and the locked-out user is the only admin
      • A Microsoft Data Protection process is required; contact Microsoft Support by phone and request an admin/MFA reset for the tenant, explaining that the only admin lost Authenticator access.

    If none of the above is possible and the backup account for Authenticator cannot be accessed, the Authenticator credentials themselves cannot be recovered and the accounts must be re-added once access is restored via other methods.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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