Teams login linked to MS Authenticator - won’t delete

Question

Hi I logged into teams with my work account on my phone and in that login process (before I was able to complete) I accidentally linked it to Microsoft Authenticator; when we are required to use a different Authenticator app for work. I now can’t complete login in teams on my phone. I deleted my 2 factor authentication account from the main screen in MS Authenticator but when I try to log into teams it STILL takes me to MS Authenticator even though the account appears to be removed.

I have to use this other app for authentication so how can I completely remove it from teams/MS Authenticator? Where does the problem lie here exactly?

Moved from Exchange | Other

Answer 1

To resolve the issue of being unable to log into Teams due to the Microsoft Authenticator being linked, you may need to delete the authenticator app settings associated with your account through the Microsoft Graph API or directly in your security settings.

Here are the steps you can take:

1. Delete Sign-in Methods: If you have access to your security settings, you can delete the sign-in methods directly in a web browser. Go to https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo to view and delete any sign-in methods associated with your account.
2. Re-register MFA: If you are not the administrator, you may need to ask your administrator to set the requirement for re-registering multi-factor authentication (MFA). This can be done in the Azure portal under Microsoft Entra ID settings.
3. Use Microsoft Graph API: If you are a Global Administrator, you can use the Microsoft Graph API to delete the authenticator app settings. You would need to run specific queries in the Graph Explorer to delete the authenticator methods associated with your account.

After performing these steps, try logging into Teams again. If the issue persists, ensure that the other authenticator app is properly set up and that there are no lingering settings in your account that may redirect you to the Microsoft Authenticator.

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References:

• Can't set up MFA because five devices are already registered to use an authenticator app
• Can't set up MFA because five devices are already registered to use an authenticator app

Answer 2

Dear @Laura TP,

I understand that when you tried to sign in to Teams on your phone with your work account, it was accidentally linked to Microsoft Authenticator, even though your company requires other Authenticator app instead. You also deleted the Microsoft Authenticator entry from the app, but Teams still sends you back to Microsoft Authenticator and won’t allow login.

Typically, deleting the account inside the Microsoft Authenticator app does not remove it from your Microsoft account’s security settings. Teams always checks the MFA method stored in the cloud. If Microsoft Authenticator is still listed as your MFA method, Teams will continue to redirect you there, even after you delete it from your phone.

To remove the MFA method, you must delete it from the MySecurityInfo page or ask an admin to require MFA re‑registration, which clears old authenticator methods from the server.

To better assistance, could you please confirm following information:

1. Are you able to sign in on a computer to: https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo? When you check that page, do you still see Microsoft Authenticator listed as a sign‑in method?
2. Has your company provided access to any backup verification method (SMS, email)?
3. Is this account a work Microsoft 365 account, or does your company use Teams but not Microsoft 365?
4. Have you already installed and set up other Authenticator for this account?

In the meantime, I recommend some options below:

Option 1: If you can access MySecurityInfo:

• Go to https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo
• Remove Microsoft Authenticator from your listed sign‑in methods
• Add your Authenticator as your MFA method (Teams will then stop redirecting to Microsoft Authenticator.)

Option 2: If you cannot access MySecurityInfo:

Your organization’s IT admin needs to:

• Go to Microsoft Entra Admin Center
• Open your user account > Authentication methods
• Select “Require re‑register MFA” This action clears old MFA configurations (including Microsoft Authenticator) and forces a fresh setup, so you can register Authenticator which your company use, during the next login.

Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any further questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

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