A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
Follow these steps to troubleshoot missing authentication codes after resetting info in Microsoft Authenticator:
- Check the Authenticator app state
- Make sure the Microsoft Authenticator app is unlocked on the device. If the app is locked, the prompt or code entry box may not appear.
- Confirm the app is updated to the latest version from your app store.
- Verify notifications and network
- Ensure notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator on the phone (no silent or blocked notifications).
- Check that the device has a stable internet connection. If needed, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data and try again.
- Confirm device settings
- Make sure the device date and time are set correctly (preferably automatic). Incorrect time can cause authentication failures.
- Try an alternate verification method
- When signing in, choose “I don’t have a code” or “Use a different verification option” (if shown) and:
- Use SMS or a phone call if a mobile number is configured.
- Use an alternate email address if one is configured.
- If codes by SMS/email are not arriving, check:
- Junk/spam folder for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
- That the phone number/email is entered correctly.
- That the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers and the SMS inbox is not full.
- When signing in, choose “I don’t have a code” or “Use a different verification option” (if shown) and:
- Avoid repeated attempts
- Do not make excessive or repetitive requests for codes. Too many attempts can cause a temporary block where no codes are sent. If this may have happened, wait at least 24 hours (up to several days) before trying again.
- If still blocked or no method works
- If there is unusual activity or a temporary block on the account, codes may not be delivered until the block clears automatically.
- If this is a work or school (business) account and no verification method works, contact the tenant/global admin and ask them to require re‑register MFA for the account so the methods can be set up again.
If none of the above resolves the issue and there is no admin who can reset MFA, contact Microsoft support (frontline) and request escalation to the Data Protection team for an MFA reset, following the guidance in the referenced answers.
References:
- Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
- Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
- I need to reset my mfa methods - Microsoft Q&A
- Having problems getting text codes to confirm my account - Microsoft Q&A
- Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
- Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
- Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A