Stuck in an Microsoft Authenticator App loop when trying to update an old backup email address

Question

I used to have the Microsoft Authenticator app on my phone, when I upgraded it got deleted.

I want to update my recovery email address (not my main one) but when I log into Hotmail and try to change it, its asking me to approve a sign-in request on my Microsoft Authenticator App but when I re-installed the App on my new iPhone the app asked me to add an account, so I select 'Personal' then I'm given the option of either scanning a QR code or signing in with Microsoft. As I can't find a QR code I select 'Sign in with Microsoft'.

So I select my personal account, enter password, but then the Authenticator app asks to verify my identity using either the authenticator app that I can't get into, a verification code from my mobile app (whatever that is) or send it to my old email address that I no longer have! Arghhh. Can anybody help as I'm going round in circles!

Thanks

Answer 1

same thing is happening to me, any ideas on how to fix it yet?

Answer 2

How I fixed...

1. Uninstalled Authenticator App
2. Restarted Device
3. Reinstalled Authenticator App
4. Restored settings from backup

** select account with "Action Required"

5. Logged out of Browser - cleared cache
6. Reopened browser in new inPrivate window
7. Logged into O365 account where I experienced the "loop issue"
8. Launched Security Info
9. Deleted old Authenticator App sign-in method
10. Added new Authenticator App sign-in method
11. Followed prompt to QR code
12. Scanned code to Authenticator App selected account (with Action Required) on phone

** immediately follow prompts on both phone and browser to authenticate phone app

13. Prompt on browser to 'Finish'

Hope that helps... Key take-away could be that I immediately followed the prompts on both phone and browser to authenticate.

Answer 3

I am trying to login into my student account but it is asking for authentication code. Which I am not able to get as I have lost my old phone.

Please provide a solution to get the verification code ******@gwu.edu

Answer 4

Im having this problem and its driving me crazy!! Have you found ny resolutions?!

Answer 5

sign out of your main Microsoft account that you paid for when first signing up for the service. Then update Microsoft office when signing back in. There is an app update that will not load unless you sign out and update.