Microsoft Authenticator app leading me in circles.

Question

I’m trying to log into my Authenticator app school account and in order to do that I need to request approval on my Authenticator app or input a code provided via my Authenticator app. Which should work HOWEVER I’m able to actually do that because I’m now only actually logged in on my phone and on there it has never even SHOWN any codes for sign in requests. So idk what to do. Because I’ve always used the app on my ipad to approve sign ins and now im trying to log into my school email which I can’t do without accepting the sign in request on Microsoft Authenticator app which I can’t to because I need to accept the request to sign in to the Authenticator app through the Authenticator app… What do I do?

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Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue with the Microsoft Authenticator app where you're unable to approve sign-in requests because you're stuck in a loop. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this:

1. Check for Updates: Ensure that your Microsoft Authenticator app is updated to the latest version on both your phone and iPad. Sometimes, issues can arise from outdated software.
2. Use the Verification Code: If you can't approve the sign-in request, you can try using the verification code feature. Open the Authenticator app, and it should generate a code that you can enter on the sign-in page of your school account.
3. Reinstall the App: If the app is still not functioning correctly, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. This can sometimes resolve issues related to app functionality.
4. Access from Another Device: If possible, try accessing your school account from a different device or browser to see if you can get through the sign-in process without needing the Authenticator app.
5. Contact IT Support: If none of the above steps work, it may be best to contact your school's IT support for assistance. They may be able to provide additional help or reset your account settings.

These steps should help you regain access to your school account through the Microsoft Authenticator app.

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References:

• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app
• Enable passwordless sign-in with Authenticator

Answer 2

Hi @eadie kelly, 

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

From what you’ve described, your understanding is completely correct. You’re currently caught in a circular authentication situation where Microsoft Authenticator is asking you to approve access using the same app that you’re unable to sign into. I can imagine how frustrating this must feel, especially since you previously relied on another device and now have no way to receive approval requests or sign‑in codes.  

In cases like this, the best and most reliable next step is to reach out directly to your school’s IT administrator. Because your account is managed by your educational institution, only the school’s IT team has the necessary permissions to resolve this.  

They can reset your multi‑factor authentication configuration from the Microsoft Entra admin portal. Once this is done, all existing authentication methods are cleared, allowing you to sign in using just your username and password. After that, you’ll be able to set up Microsoft Authenticator again on a working device and receive approval prompts normally. In most situations, this process only takes a few minutes once the administrator initiates it.  

Please kindly ask your administrator to follow the steps in this guide to revoke existing MFA sessions and require re-registration: Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication - Microsoft Entra ID |…    

If you haven’t contacted your school’s IT department before and aren’t sure who the administrator is, you may find the following article helpful: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support  

I appreciate your understanding that, since this is a school‑managed account, forum moderators like myself don’t have the ability to access or reset account security settings. While I can’t intervene directly, pointing you to the right support team is the most effective assistance I can provide within my role. 

If you have any updates or run into further questions along the way, please feel free to reply under this post. 

Thank you again for reaching out. I truly hope these steps help you regain access to your account as soon as possible. 

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