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Stuck in an Authenticator loop

Anonymous
2025-04-07T14:20:41+00:00

I'm trying to login to account because my cache cleared my passwords (my fault! Won't make the mistake of tidying up again!) Thanks to two factor authentication I'm now stuck in a loop with Authenticator and locked out of my account because it wants a code from Authenticator to log me in to my Authenticator account but I'm in my Authenticator account so I can't login to my account because it needs a code from Authenticator which then asks for a code from Authenticator. I've been trying this, stuck in a loop, for over a week. Tried calling MS 'helpline', but message says can't help with 365 can only get help online, which I have to login to get help with the account that I can't log in to because Authenticator is sticking me a loop where I need a code to login but I can't get the code because I can't login.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-11T14:45:07+00:00

    Hi CuriousLotusUK Theresa,

    I totally understand how frustrating this situation is—being stuck in a loop with Microsoft Authenticator and unable to access your account can feel like an impossible puzzle. It sounds like the two-factor authentication (2FA) setup is preventing you from logging in, and since you’ve already tried calling Microsoft support, online solutions are your best bet.

    Basic Steps to Try

    1. Use an Alternative Login Method
      • Try logging in with a backup email or phone number instead of Authenticator.
      • If you previously set up SMS or email verification, you may be able to bypass the Authenticator prompt.
    2. Reset Your Account Recovery Options
      • Visit Microsoft Account Recovery and follow the recovery process.
      • Provide any details you remember, such as previous passwords or security questions.
    3. Contact Microsoft Support via an Alternate Account
      • Since you can’t log in to your Microsoft 365 account, try reaching out via a different tenant or personal Microsoft account.
      • Go to Microsoft Support and initiate a support request.

    Refer to the Microsoft Tech Community

    If these steps don’t work, you can get further advice from the Microsoft Tech Community, where experts often guide users through authentication issues:

    • Visit Microsoft Tech Community Home | Microsoft Community Hub
    • Search for Microsoft Authenticator issues or login loop problems
    • Post your situation and request advice from IT specialists who deal with these types of problems frequently.

    I truly hope this helps break the cycle—you’ve been stuck in this loop for too long! Let me know if you need more guidance.

    Best regards,

    Bo

    Microsoft Community

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