Unable to set up MS Authenticator so that I can get to my Business 365 Account

Question

I received a new iphone and laptop. On my new laptop, I am unable to get to my business account to setup email and get my OneDrive. I know my username and password, but I am unable to setup the Authenticator to get my codes.

Answer 1

To set up the Microsoft Authenticator app for your business account, follow these steps:

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator App: Make sure you have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your new iPhone. You can find it in the App Store.
2. Sign In to Your Business Account: On your laptop, go to the Microsoft 365 sign-in page and enter your username and password.
3. Set Up Two-Step Verification: If you have not already set up two-step verification for your account, you will need to do so. This typically involves going to your account security settings and enabling two-step verification.
4. Add Your Account to the Authenticator App: Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your iPhone. Tap on the '+' icon to add a new account. You may need to scan a QR code or enter a setup code provided during the two-step verification setup on your laptop.
5. Complete the Setup: Follow the prompts in the app to complete the setup. You should receive a verification code that you can use to access your business account.
6. Access Your Email and OneDrive: Once the Authenticator app is set up and you have your verification codes, you should be able to access your email and OneDrive on your new laptop.

If you encounter any issues during this process, ensure that your old device is not factory reset or that the Authenticator app is not removed until the new device is set up successfully.

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References:

• Migrate to a new iPhone for work
• Migrating your Outlook.com account to Microsoft 365 or Office 365

Answer 2

When I try to setup the account in the Authenticator, I do the following steps:

1. Add account
2. Work or school account
3. Sign in
4. Sign-in options
5. Sign in to an organization = relentlesspi.com
6. Sign in
7. Password
8. Next screen asks for the MS Authenticator Code displayed on my Screen

Answer 3

Hi @Dorothy Becraft, 

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

Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like you might be running into an Authenticator loop, where the system asks for a code from the Microsoft Authenticator app to complete the initial setup of that same app. Another possibility is that your verification method is still linked to your old phone, and now with the new iPhone you’re unable to receive codes. 

If you don’t have any alternative verification method available, as an end user you’ll need to reach out to your organization’s IT department. They can revoke your existing MFA sessions and require re-registration. Please kindly ask them to follow the steps outlined here: Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication - Microsoft Entra ID |… 

This process will remove previous sign-in sessions, and the next time you sign in, you’ll be prompted to set up MFA again on your new phone so you can receive codes and log in successfully. Re-registering MFA will also resolve any looping issues you might be experiencing during the Authenticator setup. 

Please note that as a forum moderator, I don’t have access to user accounts or the ability to reset MFA settings. Only your organization’s IT administrator has the necessary permissions to manage or reset authentication methods. 

If I’ve misunderstood your situation or you have additional details to share, please feel free to clarify in a comment below. I hope these steps are helpful and give you a clear idea of what to do next.

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