Microsoft Authenticator loop

Question

Hi, I have been using Outlook using the same phone for a couple of years now. For some unkown reason, my Outlook on my phone instructed me to sign into my account. When I press 'sign in' I get transferred to a screen where I have to type a code from the Authenticator app. When I go to the Authenticator app, I have to sign into that same account using a code from the Authenticator app.

I tried to resolve google search and Microsoft community but can't seem to find a way out of this. This circular reference drives me insane, and I really cannot believe the amount of time I'm spending on this stupid issue. Can someone please help me??

Answer 1

Hi Bertrand, thanks for your response.

To me it is not confidence inducing and simply too complicated to delete and add back an app that is clearly of fundamental importance to running something as basic as an email account and a diary. What if it kills my email and dairy altogether...? Clearly I'm no IT wizard, nor do I want to be.

Thankfully after a couple of hours searching for a solution I found advice that suggested logging onto the web page of Microsoft and choose the option of using phone/SMS for authentication. This makes the Authentication app redundant.

Thankfully this seemed to do the trick.

Microsoft should prioritise putting onto the market software that is monkey friendly. Stuff that works. Flawlessly.

Answer 2

Hello Peter Kleintunte

Good day and thanks for contacting Microsoft community support

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing this issue with the Microsoft Authenticator app. This issue can occur when there is a problem with the synchronization between the app and your account. We need more information on the issue to better assist you.

1. Does the issue persist when you sign-in your business account into a different device/mobile?
2. I'm assuming you are the global admin. If you end user kindly contact your global admin to disable your account MFA and check if the issue

persists

While we wait for your valuable response. Kindly implement these initial steps to resolve the issue.

1. Uninstall the Microsoft Authenticator app from your phone or use a different mobile.
2. Reinstall the app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
3. Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
4. Follow the prompts to set up the app and enable multi-factor authentication.
5. Once the app is set up, try signing in to your Outlook account again and enter the code from the Authenticator app.

FYI: Microsoft Authenticator App Not Sending Verification Code - Microsoft Q&A

If the issue still persists, please let me know and we can explore other potential solutions.

Please understand that our initial response may not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

Kindly repost if you need any further assistance from our side, we will be happy to help you further.

Sincerely,

Bertrand