issues with my authenticator

Question

Hello I lost my previous answers from here, just wanted to say , I have tried everything to get into my authenticator 1 with my second verification method which takes me to it sending me a code to get into it or with my email and then they say been try to many times.Reason for that is because nothing is working. Isabel I have the latest one. this all has happened because i transferd from new phone to new one. I have even done the recovery one still no go. Isabel

Answer 1

To regain access after losing Microsoft Authenticator and hitting too many verification attempts, follow these supported paths:

1. Wait out the lockout and stop repeated attempts

• The “too many times” message indicates a temporary block due to unusual or high-volume verification attempts.
• Do not keep retrying; this can extend the block. Wait at least 24 hours, and if it still fails, wait longer (up to about a week) before trying again.

2. Try a different verification method

• When the block clears, use a different method already on the account if available (SMS, alternate email, security key, etc.).
• If one method (for example, SMS) is blocked or failing, switch to another method connected to the account, as suggested in the verification-code troubleshooting guidance.

3. Check email and SMS delivery issues If codes are not arriving:

• Confirm the correct mailbox is being checked (primary alias or email added as security info).
• Check junk/spam for messages from an @accountprotection.microsoft.com address.
• Ensure the phone does not block texts from unknown numbers and that the inbox is not full.
• Avoid VOIP numbers; use a mobile number instead.
• Do not repeatedly request codes, as this can trigger more blocking.

4. Use the sign-in helper or recovery options

• If still unable to sign in, use the sign-in helper or account recovery flows referenced in the verification-code troubleshooting article to identify the specific sign-in issue and follow the guided steps.

5. If this is a work or school (Entra/Microsoft 365) account

• If locked out of a work or school account and Authenticator is the only method, contact the organization’s help desk or admin and ask them to clear or reset MFA settings so registration can be done again on the new phone.

6. After regaining access

• Re-register Microsoft Authenticator on the new phone and add at least one backup method (SMS, alternate email, or security key).
• Consider going passwordless (for example, Authenticator, Windows Hello, or security keys) for more reliable sign-in and fewer code issues.

If none of the methods work and this is an admin/work tenant where all admins are locked out, escalation to Microsoft Support/Data Protection via a support ticket or phone (as described in the referenced Q&A) is required so they can reset MFA for at least one admin.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Authenticator app not sending code to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• How Do I Regain Access to My Account After Losing Access to Microsoft Authenticator? (Urgent Request). - Microsoft Q&A
• Cannot authenticate with E-mail when logging into Microsoft Authenticator(iOS). - Microsoft Q&A
• My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled. - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A