My old phone is died, how to access my accounts without using Authenticator app?

Question

Hi Microsoft,

I can't log in to either of my accounts because my authenticator app was on my previous phone, which is no longer working.

I was given only two login options, but both require codes from the authenticator app, which I can no longer access

1. Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app
2. Use a verification code
3. No other option

Thanks so much

Answer 1

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Dear @Jackie Lam,

Good day. Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum!

I’m very sorry for the inconvenience you’ve experienced, based on the details you shared. There is something I need to confirm with you is: Are you having trouble log in to your account because you can’t verify your account through Authenticator app or is it cause by another issue?    

If this is the case, I would recommend you contact your IT Admin to reset your MFA settings through the Microsoft Entra Admin Center. Ask your administrator to follow these steps:   

1. Sign in to the entra.microsoft.com as at least one Authentication Administrator. 
2. Select User -> All user.  Select the user (your account) to act on and select Authentication methods then select Require re-register of multi-factor authentication.  
   • Require re-register MFA:  This disables all previous authentication methods. You'll then be prompted to configure a new MFA authentication method the next time you try to sign in, so you can set up from the start and add a new authenticator app.  

For step-by-step details, see the official Microsoft documentation: Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multi-factor authentication - Microsoft Entra ID … 

If you’re unsure who the Global Admin is within your school account's organization, you can find guidance on locating them here: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support  

Note: Once re-registration is triggered, all your existing MFA methods such as phone numbers, Authenticator app, or other verification options will be removed. You will need to set up new MFA methods during your next login. Please ensure you have access to a valid phone number or the Microsoft Authenticator app before attempting to sign in again. 

If you are an admin and or your admin is experiencing the same issue, the only way is to contact your Data Protection Team for support.

In this situation, the Microsoft Data Protection team has tools and processes in place to verify identity and regain access to administrator accounts.   

Please note that forum moderators have no control over user accounts, especially when it comes to logging in to your account, resetting your password, changing your access, etc.   

Therefore, If you are the only administrator in your organization,  then you need to involve Microsoft data protection team. Please try to find the related hotline number to call the frontline let them raise a ticket for you: Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support 

In some countries, this is an automated conversation: First, when you call the hotline, they will ask you what kind of problem you are struggling with. 

Answer: Authenticator. 

A: What products do you use? 

B: Office 365 for business. 

Verification: Education or company account? 

B: For companies 

A: Are you an administrator? 

B: Yes. 

A: Are there any other administrators in your organization? 

B: No. 

A: I need one.... Service request? 

B: Yes 

If your organization's Office 365 Business/Education subscription is from a partner or reseller, and the global administrator is unable to open a service request on your end, contact the reseller's support provider to help open a service request on behalf of you instead. 

If you still cannot reach to agent, there is still a workaround, you might consider registering for a new tenant by signing up for a trial subscription via this link Compare All Microsoft 365 Plans | Microsoft. This would allow you to create a new tenant following the provided prompts. Once set up, you can access the admin console of the new tenant and submit a support ticket requesting to speak with the Data Protection team on behalf of your previous tenant.  

Please remember to cancel the trial subscription once your issue is resolved to avoid any unintended charges.  

I hope the above information is clear. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

I appreciate your patience and are here to help. Looking forward to your response!

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