Microsoft Authenticator is not working to let me sign into my accounts

Question

The app won't load a page to type in a two digit password or code. It also won't let me log in. It keeps going in circles and circles asking me to put a code into my app, which is my phone, so there is nowhere to enter in the code. It is maddening.

Answer 1

Try these in order:

1. Unlock Microsoft Authenticator on the phone first. If the app is locked, the box to enter or approve the sign-in may not appear.
2. Check notifications for Authenticator:
   • Open the phone settings.
   • Go to Notifications for Microsoft Authenticator.
   • Make sure notifications are allowed and not silent.
   • Also check text messages in case a code arrived silently.
3. Force close and reopen the app, then try the sign-in again.
4. Check network connectivity:
   • Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or from mobile data to Wi-Fi.
   • Make sure Airplane mode is off.
   • If a VPN is enabled, disconnect it and test again.
5. Update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version. Versions older than 12 months are not supported.
6. In Authenticator, open Settings and:
   • turn on App updates
   • select Turn off battery optimization
   • open Notification Settings and make sure Show notifications is on
7. Check the phone date and time and make sure they are correct.
8. If the sign-in screen offers it, choose Use a different way to sign in, I don’t have my authenticator app, or another verification method such as SMS or email.
9. If the account is a work or school account and the loop continues, complete the sign-in in Authenticator, Company Portal, or the primary Microsoft app on the device. If that still fails, contact the IT admin to reset or help with the sign-in method.

If the issue is specifically that the two-digit prompt never appears, the most relevant fixes are: unlock the app, enable notifications, and confirm the phone has a stable internet connection.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication did not complete
• Authenticator Did Not Complete Login
• Help with Authenticator - Microsoft Q&A
• Authenticator 2-digits in box rather than 6 digits has me locked out of my account and email - Microsoft Q&A