Locked out of Windows Authenticator by Windows Authenticator

Boyan Kukov 1 Reputation point
2023-01-02T18:15:13.173+00:00

Hello All,

I am using microsoft Authenticator in order to authenticate my work email. I would log into my email on my computer, it would request a 2 digit code from the authenticator and I would input that in order to get in. I recently had to switch phones and this was at a time when I also had to switch passwords for my outlook account.

I tried logging into the authenticator with the new password, and it redirected me and then asked me for then authenticator code. Since i'm logging into the authenticator, I can't access this code since I am in the process of logging in. As a result, I am locked out of anything microsoft related since the authenticator is stuck in this loop of asking for a code that I can't access because I'm not logged into the authenticator.

I tried using the alternative options but they don't seem to be set up or I'm not sure where to get a QR code or any other sort of code when I'm locked out of all the microsoft services for my work account.

Any ideas?

Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator
A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation.
5,489 questions
Outlook Management
Outlook Management
Outlook: A family of Microsoft email and calendar products.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
4,885 questions
0 comments No comments
{count} votes

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2023-01-02T19:13:04.353+00:00

    You can restore from backup (assuming there was one) but make sure no accounts have been added to the newly install app. Then sign on with recovery account to do the restore.

    You can recover your account credentials from your cloud account, but you must first make sure that the account you're recovering doesn't exist in the Microsoft Authenticator app. For example, if you're recovering your personal Microsoft account, you must make sure you don't have a personal Microsoft account already set up in the authenticator app. This check is important so we can be sure we're not overwriting or erasing an existing account by mistake.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/back-up-and-recover-account-credentials-in-the-authenticator-app-bb939936-7a8d-4e88-bc43-49bc1a700a40

    I'm locked out of all the microsoft services for my work account.

    Another option is to ask the work account admins to reset your work account.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--


  2. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2023-01-03T16:13:45.733+00:00

    Another option is to ask the work account admins to reset your work account.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--