Authenticator App not working/not showing any code or numbers to help me log into accounts.

Question

The Authenticator App not working/not showing any code or numbers to help me log into accounts.

I have tried lots of different ways to fix this, including Microsofts recommendations but nothing works, on any of my accounts where I have to verify through the Microsoft authenticatior app.

Please help or explain the issues?

Answer 1

Your MFA is failing because the server‑side device‑sig is corrupted, so u just sign‑in on another device → open Security info → delete the old Authenticator entry → add it fresh on this phone. If it still won’t, admin‑side MFA reset clears the broken sig completely.

Answer 2

When Microsoft Authenticator shows no codes or numbers, the issue is usually with the app, notifications, or device configuration. Work through these targeted checks:

1. Verify the app and device basics

• Ensure the device is online. If using mobile data, switch to Wi‑Fi and vice versa, and confirm Airplane mode is off.
• Update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version. Microsoft does not support app versions more than 12 months old. Use the in‑app Settings and make sure App updates is turned on, or reinstall from the store using the latest build.
• Make sure the device OS and any security apps (such as Microsoft Defender or Intune Company Portal) are up to date.
• Confirm the device Date & time are correct and set to automatic.

2. Fix common app issues that block codes

• Turn off battery optimization for Authenticator in the app’s Settings so it can sync and show codes reliably.
• In Authenticator Settings > Notification Settings, ensure Show notifications is turned on so prompts and approvals appear.
• If using a VPN, disconnect it and test again.

3. Handle “Authentication did not complete” or missing prompts If sign‑in shows “Authentication did not complete” or never shows a prompt/code:

• Make sure the Authenticator app itself is unlocked. If the app is locked with a PIN/biometrics, unlock it first; otherwise the entry box or code may not appear.
• Check that notifications for Authenticator are not silent or disabled at OS level. If notifications are off, you may miss prompts and think the app is not working.
• Confirm the device has a working network connection; switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data if needed.

4. If verification codes (email/SMS) are not arriving If the sign‑in flow is trying to send a verification code instead of showing a TOTP code in the app:

• For email codes: ensure the correct mailbox is checked (primary alias or an email added as a way to verify sign in) and check Junk for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
• For SMS codes: ensure the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers, the SMS inbox is not full, and that a mobile (not VOIP) number is configured.
• Avoid repeated code requests; too many attempts can temporarily block code delivery.

5. When the app still shows no one‑time password code If tapping an account in Authenticator does not show a “One-time password code” line at all for accounts that require a 6‑digit OTP:

• The account registration in Authenticator may be incomplete or corrupted. In that case, the MFA registration usually must be reset on the server side.
• For work/school or Microsoft 365 business tenants where there is no other admin to reset MFA, contact Microsoft’s Data Protection team via Microsoft Support (Customer service phone numbers) and request an MFA reset for the account, as described in the referenced Q&A answers.

If none of the above restores visible codes or working prompts, the remaining path is to have the MFA registration reset by an administrator (for work/school accounts) or by working with Microsoft Support/Data Protection if this is the only admin account on the tenant.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Authenticator app not sending code to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• I have a Micrsoft business account and I am the admin and the only user registered under this account. I can't log in because i have replaced my phone and the authenticator doesn't work. - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
• Having problems getting text codes to confirm my account - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A