Microsoft Authenticator

Question

I just bought a new phone (Galaxy 25S). My Microsoft Authenticator is not sending me the notification for approval for my work email so that I can login to outlook. How do I fix Microsoft authenticator so that I'm able to login back to outlook?

Answer 1

Follow these steps on the new Galaxy phone and with your work account to restore Microsoft Authenticator notifications and sign in to Outlook:

1. Confirm basic phone and app settings
   1. Make sure the phone has internet access (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data; ensure Airplane mode is off).
   2. Open Microsoft Authenticator > Settings:
      • Turn on App updates and install any update.
      • Turn off battery optimization for Authenticator for better sync.
      • Go to Notification settings and ensure Show notifications is turned on.
   3. On Android system settings, verify:
      • Notifications are allowed for Authenticator.
      • The phone is not in Do Not Disturb/Quiet mode.
2. Fix missing or silent notifications If no prompts appear when trying to sign in:
   1. Check if other apps receive notifications. If none do, troubleshoot the phone’s notification channel or network (as per the device settings or mobile provider).
   2. If some Authenticator accounts get notifications but the work account does not, remove that work account from Authenticator and add it again, allowing notifications during setup.
3. Re‑register the work account on the new phone Because this is a new device, the work account MFA may still be tied to the old phone.
   1. On a browser where sign‑in to the work account still works (PC or another device), go to the Security info / Additional security verification page for the work account.
   2. Remove the old phone/Auth method entries.
   3. Add a new sign‑in method and choose Phone and/or Microsoft Authenticator, then follow the prompts to:
      • Install Authenticator on the Galaxy (if not already installed) using the steps in Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app.
      • Scan the QR code or approve a test notification on the new phone.
4. Use an alternate verification method temporarily If still unable to receive Authenticator prompts:
   1. During sign‑in, choose I don’t have a code or Use a different verification option if available.
   2. Use SMS or phone call verification if those methods are configured for the work account.
   3. If verification codes (SMS/email) are not arriving, check:
      • The phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers.
      • The SMS inbox is not full and the messaging app is working.
      • The security info (phone number/email) is correct on the Security info page.
5. If authentication still fails
   1. Ensure the device time and date are set correctly and to automatic.
   2. Make sure the Authenticator app is not more than 12 months out of date.
   3. If sign‑in attempts show “Authentication did not complete,” verify:
      • The Authenticator app is unlocked when approving.
      • Notifications are not set to silent.
   4. If none of the above works, contact the organization’s IT admin and request an MFA reset / Require re‑register MFA for the work account, then set up Authenticator again on the new phone.

Once the work account is re‑registered on the Galaxy and notifications are enabled, Outlook sign‑in should prompt in Microsoft Authenticator on that device instead of the old phone.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Use a screen reader to set up and troubleshoot multifactor authentication
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs