Microsoft Authenticator App says Denied when I Approve the authentication request

Question

Hello, trying to set Microsoft Authenticator app for MFA on Azure work account. Going through steps (Add account -> work/ school -> scan QR -> try it). When I reach the "try it" step, it sends authentication request to App on my smartphone. I click "Approve" but it sais "Denied" and also on the "Try it" page it shows alert that It sent me a request but I denied it which is not true.
Tried to reinstall the app, clear cache, remove storage data, but still the same.
Then I click "Enter code instead" went through steps (Add account -> other-> scan QR -> enter code). This works. In mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info shows "Authenticator App" instead of "Microsoft Authenticator".
Ok this works but I need to enter 6 digit code instead of just clicking on approve in the app. Any advices please?

Correlation ID:444e6646-ad47-4a47-a20c-f6b534189bef. Timestamp:2022-12-06T10:44:24Z

Answer 1

I had exactly the same issue (Selecting 'approve' on the app popup - always returned 'denied'.)
The problem was witnessed in android Microsoft Authenticator (v 6.2212.8187)

The solution (for me) was to DISABLE the "App Lock" feature of Microsoft Authenticator. This feature basically asks the device unlock password every-time you "open the app, approve a notification or autofill on sites and apps".
So it would seem, for whatever reason, the app is unable to show both the approval popup and the device unlock password "window" (at the same time). The device unlock password is never shown, hence the approval is denied.
I'll continue to investigate for a "better" solution, but for now, I can verify that disabling "App Lock" feature works for me.

The feature can be disabled/enabled in Microsoft Authenticator -> three dots (top right corner) -> Settings -> Security -> "App Lock" (On/Off)

Answer 2

Microsoft Authenticator App says Denied when I Approve the authentication request- What i have done i removed the all lock pattern from my mobile and it start working properly for me.

Answer 3

Yep, saaame issue here. Doesn't matter how many times you enter the code and hit 'yes' to approve it just says you denied it over and over and over and over and over.

If you're going to force this garbage on people whether they want it or not at least make it work. It's annoying to use unique 15+ randomized character string passwords for every account but still be forced into an app or some other text verification (which opens me up to SIM swapping) when I manage my own security just fine without big brother forcing me to do what they think is best and actually creating new security vulnerabilities where none existed prior. What a joke.