Authenticator: Unexpected error. Please contact your local IT administrator to resolve the problem

RT-7199 511 Reputation points
2025-04-22T21:19:55.7133333+00:00

Got a new Pixel/Android phone, recovered authenticator app codes from backup. Some accounts were showing errored or need more info.

1st issue:

Couple of accounts I was able to recover, some others have to register MFA again, luckily i still had my old phone, if it was lost account access to those would have gone. Backups work partially.

2nd issue:

Some more other Microsoft and Entra accounts I am not able to use Microsoft authenticator App for MFA registration. Getting error "Unexpected error. Please contact your local IT administrator to resolve the problem"

I am the admin of my personal account, how do I solve this.

I am also admin of my work Entra and i donot see any logs for MFA registration failure that would help. Audit logs only show successful registration. Also do not to set require registration of MFA in Entra as same issue happening with personal account. Although it seems more like app issue.

Other steps taken

  • I have tried deleting app data, forcing to re-authenticate, when recovering from backup.
  • I have uninstalled app and did not try recovering, I don't get any previous MFA accounts but also still not able to register authenticator app for both personal/work accounts.
  • I have uninstalled app and did not try recovering, Used another account to signin to authenticator. I still cannot register authenticator app for both personal/work accounts.
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.
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  1. Shikha Ghildiyal 5,885 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator
    2025-04-23T16:44:18.0966667+00:00

    Hi RT-7199

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    You can go to security page- https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and delete your old mobile information

    User's image

    Once you have deleted old mobile info, please click on add sign and add details again by clicking on add sign inUser's image

    Once you click on add sign in , you will be able to see steps to add authentication

    User's image

    For more details: Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/howto-mfa-userdevicesettings#manage-user-authentication-options

    Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.


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