No authentication messages??

Question

I’m currently trying to access a school email account through Outlook, and when asked for a code from Microsoft Authenticator, nothing shows up!! I tried logging into the app but it does the same thing, no access to the account, need a code, nothing shows!! What do I do????

Moved from Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator

 

Answer 1

Hi @Nori,       

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

Regarding that you can't log in to your account due to Microsoft Authenticator. I’d like to ask a quick questions to better understand your situation and assist you effectively:      

Could you please clarify whether you are an end user or an admin?             

If you are an end user I would recommend you contact your account's Admin to reset your MFA settings through the Microsoft Entra Admin Center. Ask your administrator to follow these steps:                 

Revoke MFA sessions and require re-register in the Microsoft Entra admin center                

You could provide your admin this article for a better view: Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication - Microsoft Entra ID |…              

If you’re unsure who the Global Admin is within your organization, you can find guidance on locating them here: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support.                 

Thank you again for your time and understanding. While my initial response may not resolve the issue immediately, I’d like to gather more details about your situation so I can assist you more effectively.              

I really appreciate your patience, and I’m here to help. Looking forward to your response!                      

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Answer 2

Follow these steps in order:

1. Try another verification method

• On the Outlook/school sign-in screen where it asks for Microsoft Authenticator, look for options like “I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now”, “Use a different verification option”, or “Sign in another way”.
• If available, choose SMS, phone call, or email code to complete sign-in.

2. Fix “Authentication did not complete” in Microsoft Authenticator If the app shows “Authentication did not complete” or simply never shows a prompt/code:

• Make sure the Microsoft Authenticator app is unlocked on the phone.
• Check that notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator and not set to silent. Then try sign-in again and watch for a push notification.
• Ensure the app is updated to the latest version using the store link in the documentation.
• Confirm the phone has a working internet connection. If needed, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data and retry.
• Verify the device date and time settings are correct (automatic time is recommended).

3. If still stuck in a loop (no method works)

• If this is a school/organization account, contact the school’s IT/help desk and ask them to reset your MFA settings or clear your authentication methods. After they do this, the next sign-in will let you set up Microsoft Authenticator again from scratch.
• If the device with the original Authenticator setup is lost or reset and there is no backup method, only the organization’s admin/help desk (or Microsoft’s Data Protection team via an admin) can reset MFA.

4. If codes (SMS/email) are not arriving If you try SMS/email as an alternative and still don’t get codes:

• Avoid repeatedly requesting new codes; too many requests can cause a temporary block.
• Check junk/spam for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
• Make sure the phone number and email are correct in the account’s security info once you can sign in again.

If none of the above options are available and there is no other verification method configured, the only resolution is for the school’s IT administrator to reset the account’s MFA/Authenticator registration.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A