How to get out from a MS Authenticator loop when adding account

Question

I am using Office 365 web based (on Chrome) to access my work email.
Yesterday afternoon, when trying to login, after the user/password screens, a popup asked me to approve my sign in via the MS Authenticator app.
I did not have this Authenticator app installed on my mobile, which I promptly installed.
I added my Hotmail account without any issues. There was an option there to receive the code thru an email.

However, when trying to add my work account on MS Authenticator app, these are the steps I go thru:
1 – Clicked on ‘Add work account’
2 - Of the 2 options (Scan QR code or Sign in) - I chose Sign in
3 - Typed my email when prompted
4 - Typed my password
5 - Got a screen saying 'Approve sign in request' which tells me to open my MS Authenticator App to approve it.
Well, I am already on the Authenticator app. So, there is nowhere to go from here.

There is an option: 'I can't use my MS Authenticator app right now’
6 - When clicking on this option, there are 3 alternatives:
A. Approve a request on my MS Authenticator app – I am already here, and I can't use it…
B. Use a verification code from my mobile app - This the same thing as the previous option. It asks for a code from the same MS Authenticator
C. Text to my mobile number - Which I cannot access (I am overseas with no mobile coverage)

Both options A and B under the title 'I can't use my MS Authenticator app right now’ wants you to use the Authenticator app. This is got to be a mistake (or a joke).
Option C needs a mobile network coverage to receive a text message, which I don't have and will not have for more than 1 month (I am overseas).

7 - After a few minutes at this screen, the app refreshes to "We didn't hear from you'
But this is a loop. It keeps referring back to the MS Authenticator app

So, basically I am stuck on the Authenticator app, which is required for me to access my work email and my Office 365 environment.

Does anyone know how I can get out of this loop and access my work account?
Thanks

Answer 1

It is clear that this is a long standing global issue.

Obviously, restarting and repairing software is NOT the solution.

It appears that MS do not have a suitable solution to this.

Unfortunately, if you have not backed up or stored your OLD authenticator info, you are pretty much stuck.

Most of the solutions in MS FAQ's all state to remove cache/cookies and re-install the authenticator but this does not work as the device is locked to the account. Furthermore, having a 'solution' to remove the device, only works if the device is displayed to remove in the first place, which it is not.

After trawling through the entire site, there is not a suitable solution.

I guess my response will be removed soon as I'm clearly exposing an issue that MS either can't resolve, or won't resolve.

Pity it costs so much money to be let down like this.

Answer 2

Some things to try
the Sign in another way method described here.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/common-problems-with-two-step-verification-for-a-work-or-school-account-63acbb9b-16a1-47b9-8619-6a865e8071a5

contact the 365 admin to turn off two factor

try the Get Help app, eventually the bot will give up and hand of to someone you can chat with
https://support.microsoft.com/contactus

wait for cell coverage so you can accept the code.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--