Cannot access Azure portal - MFA error "Error finding an account to complete multi-factor authentication" on personal Microsoft account

Question

Cannot access Azure portal - MFA error "Error finding an account to complete multi-factor authentication" on personal Microsoft account

pablo brunetti 0

Hello,

I'm unable to access the Azure portal due to an MFA issue on my personal Microsoft account (Hotmail). I'm looking for help to resolve this.

Problem description:

I can sign in to Outlook and other Microsoft services without any issues. However, when I try to access the Azure portal or perform any action inside it, I'm prompted for an MFA code, and the Microsoft Authenticator app on my phone shows the following error:

"Error finding an account to complete multi-factor authentication. You may need to add the account again."

Any code I enter is rejected.

Additional issues:

Under my Default Directory, I see "No subscriptions" listed.
When I try to create a new subscription, I get the following error: "You don't have access to any billing accounts to create a subscription. Click here to sign up for an Azure account. If you believe this is an error, try switching directories or contact Azure Support."
I previously had a free Azure subscription but never received any cancellation email.
Only the Default Directory is available when I try to switch directories.

Account details:

Account type: Personal Microsoft account (Hotmail)
I should be the Global Administrator of the Default Directory (I'm the only user)
There is no other administrator who can reset my MFA

Steps I have already tried:

Signing in using an incognito/private browser window
Trying different browsers
Removing and re-adding the Microsoft Authenticator app on my phone
Checking my security info at mysignins.microsoft.com
Attempting to switch directories in the Azure portal (only Default Directory is available)
Trying to create a new subscription (blocked by the error above)
Contacting @MicrosoftHelps on Twitter/X

What I need help with:

How can I reset the MFA on my Azure/Entra ID Default Directory when I'm the only administrator and locked out?
What happened to my previous free Azure subscription, and is it possible to recover it?
Why can't I create a new subscription with my current account?

Thank you!

Sridevi Machavarapu 33,305 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-09T17:07:13.5333333+00:00

Hello pablo brunetti,

We need few details to proceed further. Please check your Private messages tab and provide those details.
pablo brunetti 0 Reputation points

2026-04-10T11:50:33.19+00:00

Hello @Sridevi Machavarapu

Thank you for your message. I have checked my private messages and provided the requested details. Please let me know if you need anything further.
Sridevi Machavarapu 33,305 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-13T19:45:41.2933333+00:00

Hello pablo brunetti,

Based on the details you’ve shared, this appears to be a tenant lockout scenario.

To resolve this, the recommended approach is to contact the Microsoft Data Protection team. You can reach them by calling Microsoft Customer Service using the phone numbers listed here: Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support.

If you have access to another tenant or subscription where you still have Global Administrator privileges, you may also raise a support request from there to get assistance in restoring access to the affected tenant.

For future reference and to help prevent tenant lockouts, please check: Preventing tenant lockouts - Microsoft Learn.

If neither option is possible, please don’t worry—let us know, we are happy to assist you further!
Sridevi Machavarapu 33,305 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-14T16:46:31.5833333+00:00

Hello pablo brunetti,

Could you please confirm whether there is any progress on your issue or still facing same?