Authenticator Link Deletion

Question

I accidentally deleted an authenticator account QR and I am unable to recover. The page affected asks for the code which I am unable to have.

Answer 1

Because the QR code method was deleted, the existing QR link cannot be recovered. The affected sign-in method must be reset and set up again.

If this is for a work or school (Microsoft Entra ID) account, an admin must remove and reconfigure the QR-based authentication method:

1. Admin signs in to the Microsoft Entra admin center (https://entra.microsoft.com) as at least an Authentication Administrator.
2. Go to Users → select the affected user → Authentication methods.
3. Under Usable authentication methods, select the QR code method, choose the ellipsis (…) and click Delete.
4. After deletion, the user signs in again and follows the prompt to register a new QR code in Microsoft Authenticator.

If the user cannot sign in at all and there is no alternative method (SMS, email, security key), an admin or support contact must clear or reset the user’s MFA settings so that registration is required again at next sign-in. If the affected account is the only admin and no one can access the tenant, Microsoft’s Data Protection team must be engaged via Microsoft Support to reset MFA from their side.

For personal Microsoft accounts using Microsoft Authenticator, if the QR-based/passwordless method was removed and there is no backup or alternate sign-in method, the account must be recovered using the standard Microsoft account recovery/sign-in helper flow and then the Authenticator app must be added again from scratch.

In all cases, once access is restored, add at least one additional sign-in method (such as SMS, email, or a security key) so that losing a single QR or device does not block access in the future.

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References:

• How to enable the QR code authentication method in Microsoft Entra ID
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Restore account credentials from Microsoft Authenticator
• How Do I Regain Access to My Account After Losing Access to Microsoft Authenticator? (Urgent Request). - 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
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A
• Authenticator Did Not Complete Login