cannot get code for authenticator app

Question

app downloaded and signed in. unable to get verification code

Answer 1

Follow these steps to get or restore a verification code for Microsoft Authenticator:

1. Check if the account shows a one-time password (OTP) code
   Open the Microsoft Authenticator app and tap the account you are trying to use.
   If a line like “One-time password code” appears, use that 6‑digit code on the sign-in screen that is asking for the verification code.
2. If no OTP code is shown in the app
   In this case, the app is not properly registered for that account, or the MFA configuration needs to be reset. The reset cannot be done from the app itself. Depending on the type of account:
   • Work/School (Microsoft 365 / Entra ID): A tenant/global admin must reset your MFA so the app can be re-registered. The admin should:
     1. Sign in to the Azure portal and open Microsoft Entra ID.
     2. Go to Users → select the affected user.
     3. Open Authentication methods and choose Require re-register multifactor authentication.
     4. Have the user sign in again and follow the prompts to add Microsoft Authenticator; the app will then show the OTP or send approvals.
   • If you are the only admin and locked out: Contact Microsoft support by phone and request escalation to the Data Protection team to reset MFA for your account, as described in the referenced guidance.
3. If you can’t use Authenticator at all
   If the app cannot be used or registered, use another verification method already configured on the account (SMS, email, or another authenticator). If none work and you are locked out, follow the account recovery or Data Protection support path for your scenario.

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References:

• Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
• Global Admin Locked out - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to reset my mfa methods - Microsoft Q&A