Microsoft Authenticator App

Question

Microsoft authenticator app will not prompt me or allow me to enter a code given to me by Outlook for a second verification when trying to log into Outlook. How can I get the App to let me enter a code provided by Outlook?

Answer 1

If Outlook is showing a sign-in number or code, Microsoft Authenticator does not provide a place to manually type an Outlook-provided code. Authenticator sign-in works by receiving a notification, then approving it and, when prompted, tapping or entering the matching number inside the Authenticator flow.

Try this:

1. On the sign-in screen, select Other ways to sign in if it appears, then choose Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app.
2. On the phone, open Microsoft Authenticator directly instead of waiting only for the push notification.
3. If a sign-in request is pending, tap it, then tap or enter the matching number and select Approve.
4. If nothing appears in Authenticator, check these common causes:
   • Authenticator is locked: unlock the app first.
   • Notifications are disabled or silent: enable notifications for Authenticator.
   • App is outdated: update to the latest version.
   • Network issue: switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
   • Incorrect date/time on the device: correct it.
5. If the sign-in is flagged as anomalous, a push notification might not be sent. In that case, open Authenticator manually, pull down to refresh or tap Refresh, then approve the request there.

If Outlook is being used as the authentication method instead, Outlook can provide either:

• a notification approval flow, or
• a one-time code from Outlook > Home > Settings > Accounts > account > Sign-in requests.

If Authenticator was removed, replaced on a new phone, or is no longer properly registered, and Outlook approval/code also is not working, this can become a verification loop. For a work or school account, the fix is to contact the organization’s IT admin and ask them to reset MFA settings or allow re-registration for MFA so Authenticator can be set up again.

If unrequested prompts appear, select Deny.

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