Authenticator not display code

Question

I added account in Microsoft Authenticator.

When i try to log to Microsoft site, it prompts for Authenticator code that never appears on Authenticator.

Answer 1

Follow these checks and actions in order:

1. Confirm the app is unlocked
   • Open Microsoft Authenticator and make sure it is not locked by a PIN/biometrics. If it is, unlock it and then try signing in again so the prompt or code entry box can appear.
2. Check notifications
   • Ensure notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator on the device and that they are not set to silent. If notifications are blocked or silent, the approval prompt may not appear.
   • Also check SMS or email for any verification codes that may have arrived quietly.
3. Verify the account entry in Authenticator
   • In the Authenticator app, tap the account that was added.
   • Look for a line such as “One-time password code” or a 6‑digit/8‑digit code under that account. If present, use that code on the Microsoft sign‑in page.
   • If no one‑time password code appears at all for that account, the MFA registration may be incomplete or corrupted.
4. Update the app
   • Make sure Microsoft Authenticator is updated to the latest version. An outdated app can prevent codes or prompts from appearing. Install the latest version from the store using the guidance in the latest version.
5. Check device settings
   • Ensure the device has a working internet connection (try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data).
   • Verify the device’s date and time are correct; incorrect time can cause TOTP codes to fail.
6. If the code still never appears
   • For work/school (organization) accounts:
     • Contact the organization’s IT admin and ask them to reset the multi‑factor authentication (MFA) registration for the account in the Microsoft Entra admin center. After they select “Require re‑register multifactor authentication,” sign in again and re‑set up Authenticator; a new QR code will be provided and a new one‑time password code should then appear in the app.
     • If there is no other admin and this is the only admin account, contact Microsoft support and request escalation to the Data Protection team to reset MFA for the account.
   • For personal Microsoft accounts:
     • If another sign‑in method (alternate email/phone) is configured, choose that method when prompted and then go to the account’s security settings to add or re‑add Microsoft Authenticator as a sign‑in method.
     • If no other method is available and all security info is lost, follow the account recovery path described in the verification‑code troubleshooting article to replace security info and then re‑enroll Authenticator.

If sign‑in fails with “Authentication did not complete,” re‑check that the app is unlocked, notifications are enabled, the app is updated, the device is online, and the date/time are correct.

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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
• Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft authenticator sending me into a spiral - Microsoft Q&A
• Reset Personal Azure MFA - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A

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