Microsoft Authenticator Looping

Question

Hi

I have an issue with Microsoft Authenticator looping. This first started when i enabled Passwordless authentication. I have since disabled Passwordless and 2FA - but every time I attempt to access my Outlook, I get into a loop with Authenticator. It's made worse in that I seem to get authentication layering on my mobile device also trying to authenticate!

Domain is outlook.com, or live.co.uk.

I have read various articles and nothing has resolved this. I tried removing and re-installing the auth app as well and that simply landed me in a world of pain as I use the uath app for other work related authentication. So de-installing the app is the last thing a want to do again!

given that I have disables passwordless and 2FA, I should not be having to authenticate by the app - so it feels like there is an issue with the backend objects?

Thanks

Julian

* Changed to a question

Answer 1

Hello Julian Horsley

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community

We understand that you're experiencing looping issues with Microsoft Authenticator. Since you have already disabled Passwordless and 2FA, it's possible that there may be an issue with the backend objects. Just to set your expectations that Microsoft accounts are managed by an automated server in which we do not have any manual access to this, and we have limited tools for checking your account and subscription details in Community.

Allow me to ask:

• Is this the first time you have disable the Microsoft Authenticator authentication in your Personal Microsoft account?
• Since when did you have disabled the Microsoft Authenticator app in your Account? To my knowledge any changes in your security information such as phone number, email address or authentication process will require you to wait for 30days as this will be validated by the Automated server. This could also be one of the reason why you are still getting the authenticator request when accessing your account.
• Are you using the same device/network/location when accessing your account? As this will trigger the verification process as to why you are being redirected to use the Authenticator app as this will be identified as unusual activity when signing in.

To resolve this issue, I recommend that you try the following steps:

1. Clear the cache and cookies of your web browser.
2. Try accessing your Outlook account using a different web browser or device.
3. Check if there are any updates available for the Microsoft Authenticator app and install them if there are.
4. Remove your account from the Microsoft Authenticator app and then re-add it.

I hope it helps!

Thank you,

Vince

Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Hello! Julian Horsley

Thank you for the reply!

Yes please do wait patiently within or after 30days the 30days is just the estimated days for the validation to be processed and for the changes to be applied in your account.

Thank you so much for your patience and for your understanding.

Best Regards,

Vince
Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 3

Hi Vince

the issue is still persistent.

I am waiting to see if the 30 day window clears the issue. I suspect it will be circa 18 - 25 Jan before I know.

Thanks

Julian

Answer 4

Hello! Julian Horsley

Thank you for the reply!

Yes please do let us know once you are done with the steps. And yes to verify things if you have just add/remove/change in your security information this will let you know that you have requested for this and this will be validated by the automated server.

This validation will last of maximum of 30days for it to reflect in your account. Do not worry your account is still accessible however there are just certain parts that you can't access like the Security tab and going to your email.

I hope it helps!

Thank you,

Vince
Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 5

Hi Vince

Responses to the points you asked:

Allow me to ask:

• Is this the first time you have disable the Microsoft Authenticator authentication in your Personal Microsoft account? Yes
• Since when did you have disabled the Microsoft Authenticator app in your Account? To my knowledge any changes in your security information such as phone number, email address or authentication process will require you to wait for 30days as this will be validated by the Automated server. This could also be one of the reason why you are still getting the authenticator request when accessing your account. Less than 30 days ago but not sure of the exact date. Will need to be patient.
• Are you using the same device/network/location when accessing your account? As this will trigger the verification process as to why you are being redirected to use the Authenticator app as this will be identified as unusual activity when signing in. yes, same devices and network.

I will work through your other options.

Julian