Authentication code

Question

When I log into the system, I am not receiving my authenticator code on my phone to log in.

Answer 1

Dear @Landers, Lamont

If you're not receiving the verification code or approval request in Microsoft Authenticator, first check that the app is up to date, notifications are enabled, and your phone has an internet connection. When you open the Authenticator app, do you see the sign-in request there, or is there nothing showing up at all? This helps determine whether the issue is with the notification or with the authentication request itself.

If this is a personal Microsoft account, such as an Outlook.com, Hotmail, or Microsoft account, try selecting Other ways to sign in on the sign-in screen if the option is available. You may have another verification method registered, such as SMS or email.

For a work or school account, if Authenticator is your only available verification method and nothing appears in the app, contact your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator. They can check your authentication methods and, if necessary, require you to register Microsoft Authenticator again.

You can also find some troubleshooting steps here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/authenticator/authentication-did-not-complete

Best regards,
Bence

Answer 2

Try these checks in order:

1. Request the code again, but avoid repeated rapid attempts. Excessive or repetitive requests can temporarily block code delivery.
2. Check whether the phone blocks texts from unknown numbers. If it does, change that setting, then choose I don't have a code to request another one.
3. Make sure the phone is using a mobile number, not a VOIP number. VOIP numbers can't be used to receive verification codes.
4. Check whether the phone inbox is full or the messaging app is malfunctioning.
5. If using Microsoft Authenticator, make sure:
   • the app is unlocked
   • notifications are enabled and not silent
   • the app is updated to the latest version
   • the device has internet access; try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data
   • the device date and time are correct
6. If another verification method is available, select Other verification options or a different sign-in method and try that instead.
7. If security info might be wrong, sign in to the Security info page and select Update info.
8. If none of that works and this is a work or school account, contact the IT admin. An admin can confirm the phone number, require MFA re-registration, or check whether sign-in is blocked.

If text delivery is unreliable, using the Microsoft Authenticator app or phone call method is recommended. The Authenticator app can receive notifications over cellular or Wi-Fi and can generate verification codes even without phone signal.

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References:

• Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Authentication did not complete
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• You don't receive a text or voice call that contains the verification code for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication