Switch to a different directory of tentant

Question

Switch to a different directory of tentant

Claus Pihl 0

I use MS Authenticator to access portal azure regularly.

When I try to switch to a different directory of tentant connected to my account, I cannot use MS Authenticator, don't get notification in app and code in app doesn't work.

Updated profile to use a different Authenticator app. Still asks for approval in MS Authenticator app, code from new app won't work. I am the only admin in the Azure directory.

The MS Authenticator works only with the main directory, not when I try to switch other directories

Regards

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1 answer

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Answer 1

Alina Le 4,445 Independent Advisor

Hello @Claus Pihl

From what I understand:

You can successfully sign in to Azure using Microsoft Authenticator when accessing your primary directory.
When you switch to another Azure tenant linked to the same account, you do not receive the approval notification in Microsoft Authenticator.
The verification code from your alternative authenticator app is also not accepted.
You are the only administrator in the affected Azure directory.

To address your issue better, might I confirm:

When you switch to the affected directory, do you see a message asking specifically for Microsoft Authenticator approval, or does it offer any alternative verification methods?
Are you able to access the page https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info while signed in with the same account?
Is the affected directory a personal tenant that you created, or an organization tenant?
Do you receive any error message after entering the code from the new authenticator app? If yes, what is the exact wording?

Looking forward to hearing from you for further assitance.

If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Claus Pihl 0 Reputation points

2026-07-27T09:19:50.6966667+00:00
Hello Alina Le

Thank you for coming back to me

When you switch to the affected directory, do you see a message asking specifically for Microsoft Authenticator approval, or does it offer any alternative verification methods?
Yes it is asking specifically for Microsoft Authenticator

Are you able to access the page https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info while signed in with the same account?
Yes I am able to access the page

Is the affected directory a personal tenant that you created, or an organization tenant?
It is a organization tenant

Do you receive any error message after entering the code from the new authenticator app? If yes, what is the exact wording?
No I dont get any error messages

Looking forward to hear from you

Regards
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Alina Le 4,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-28T16:31:12.9733333+00:00
Hi

Based on the details provided, the issue does not appear to be with the Azure Portal's**"Switch directory"** functionality itself.

The key observation is that:

You can successfully authenticate and access your primary directory using Microsoft Authenticator.

The authentication failure occurs only when you attempt to access a different directory associated with the same account.

After updating your authentication settings to use a different authenticator application, the affected directory still requests approval through Microsoft Authenticator and does not accept the code generated by the new authenticator application.

These observations indicate that the failure occurs during the authentication process required by the affected directory, rather than during the directory-switching operation itself.

To support you better, might I confirm if you are a guest or the global admin of this affected tenant?

Besides, as you have confirmed that you can access https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info using the same account.

As a next step, please review the authentication methods listed under "Security info" and check whether "Microsoft Authenticator" is still registered. If you see any old or unused Authenticator registrations/devices, please remove them and re-register Microsoft Authenticator on your current device.

After re-registering, please try accessing the affected directory again
Claus Pihl 0 Reputation points

2026-07-29T09:14:46.9433333+00:00

Hi Alina Le
I dont know where I can see
*To support you better, might I confirm if you are a guest or the global admin of this affected tenant?
*I think I am global admin
I have tried:
*Remove them and re-register Microsoft Authenticator on your current device.
*But still I cant switch directory
Best regards
Alina Le 4,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-30T16:46:05.92+00:00

Hi

Thank you for your update.

I will review this issue again based on the information you provided and update you soon.
Claus Pihl 0 Reputation points

2026-07-31T08:06:41.2466667+00:00

Thank you Alina, looking forward to hear from you
Alina Le 4,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-31T14:41:50.4166667+00:00
Hi

1/ Might I reconfirm whether you are also the Global Administrator of the tenant that is not affected, and whether you can access the Microsoft Admin Center with this account?

If yes, you can follow the steps below to contact Microsoft Engineering Support so that they can help investigate the affected tenant.

Sign into the "Microsoft Admin Center"

After clicking on "Help & Support" button like this image, you can type "I need agent support via phone or email". After that, you can click on "Contact support"

Choose contact method: "Phone"

Fill all the information in this contact support details, please describe your situation carefully so they will have enough information to help you.

Finally, clicking on "Contact me"

After that, they will contact you via email to schedule a direct support appointment

*Please remember to cancel the trial subscription once your issue is resolved to avoid any unintended charges.

2/ If you cannot complete the above steps, the Microsoft Data Protection Team is the only team that can provide further assistance. Contacting them directly is the only available path to regain access to the tenant.

Contacting Microsoft Data Protection team by phone support

In this situation, the Microsoft Data Protection team has tools and processes in place to verify identity and regain access to administrator accounts.

Therefore, if you are the only administrator in your organization, then you need to involve Microsoft data protection team. Please try to find the related hotline number to call the frontline let them raise a ticket for you: Customer service phone numbers - Microsoft Support

If you can use English, you may prefer these numbers:

(Important Note: Depending on your country or region, when you call the support number, you may hear an introduction of about 30 seconds such as "you can visit the link...". You can ignore this introduction and wait until you are presented with the options. Then press "1" as a business email user, and again "1" for technical help.)

In some countries, this is an automated conversation: First, when you call the hotline, they will ask you what kind of problem you are struggling with.

Answer: Authenticator.

A: What products do you use?

B: Office 365 for business.

Verification: Education or company account?

B: For companies

A: Are you an administrator?

B: Yes.

A: Are there any other administrators in your organization?

B: No.

A: I need one.... Service request?

B: Yes

If your organization's Office 365 Business subscription is from a partner or reseller, and the global administrator is unable to open a service request on your end, contact the reseller's support provider to help open a service request on behalf of you instead.

Please try "2 or 3"times until you can reach out to an agent.
Claus Pihl 0 Reputation points

2026-08-01T12:40:35.2266667+00:00

Hi Alina

I have now created support ticket following your instructions and awaiting response, thank you very much for your help.

Best regards
Alina Le 4,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-02T14:44:34.01+00:00

Hi

I am so happy to support you.

Wish you all the best!