How to I delete Authenticator from my iPhone

Question

I have been held hostage in Microsoft Security's endless loop of circular instructions for over a month.

I am now able to sign into my account with a new password, but Authenticator will not communicate with my Microsoft account.

It's maddening! I just want to scrub Authenticator off my phone since I now have my password to sign in.

Answer 1

Dear Charles Kelly, 

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Support. 

Following a review of your inquiry, we would like to offer several solutions to help you remove the Microsoft Authenticator app from your iPhone: 

• Option 1: Remove Authenticator via Security Info Page 

1. Navigate to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info. 
2. Sign in using your Microsoft account credentials. 
3. When prompted to approve the sign-in via the Authenticator app, select the option: 
   • “I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now”  or 
     • “Sign in another way” 
     1. If alternative verification methods (such as SMS, email, or backup codes) are available, choose one to complete the sign-in process. 
4. Once signed in, locate the device associated with the Authenticator app under Security Info, and click “Delete” to remove it. 

 

• Option 2: If you cannot access your account

If you cannot do the Option 1, may I know if you know any other Global Administrators in your organization? 

If yes, please ask them to follow this article to proceed to reset your 2FA so that you could re-register again: Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication - Microsoft Entra ID | Microsoft Learn 

If no, then you are the only Global Administrator and you are completely locked out from the tenant. You might need to contact us via phone service number: Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support. The agent will be able to create a ticket for you under the affected tenant and then transfer this ticket to Data Protection team who could help you to regain access. 

Please note that this team is always overwhelmed, so you might need to wait for them to call you, this should take 3-10 working days. I know that this is not a convenient solution to hear but it seems to be the only way, and it's recommended that you should have a secondary/backup Global Administrator to fix this issue on your own. 

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Answer 2

Dear Charles Kelly, 

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Q&A Support. 

We understand that the security protocols in place may seem stringent; however, they are designed to ensure the highest level of protection for our customers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. 

Following a thorough review of the details you provided, we noted that you referenced your company email. To proceed appropriately, we would like to confirm whether your account holds Global Administrator privileges or is a standard user within your organization. 

 

If you are a standard user, please reach out to your organization’s Global Administrator. They will need to follow the steps outlined in the following article to reset your two-factor authentication (2FA) and allow you to re-register:  Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication – Microsoft Learn 

Please note that Microsoft Q&A Support is unable to perform this action on your behalf, as we do not have access to your account. Your account is managed internally by your organization’s administrator. 

 

If you are a Global Administrator, you may consider using the 24/7 support service available through Microsoft 365. You can initiate a support request by starting a free trial here:  Microsoft 365 Business Plans and Pricing | Microsoft 365 

 

Assuming that you have already created an account after registering a free trial and you can go to Microsoft 365 admin center and click "Help & support" icon to raise your ticket.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/get-help-support?view=o365-worldwide

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