can't add Authenticator

Question

Can't add Authenticator to my new cell phone, because it wants me to use Authenticator to authenticate, which I can't do because it is not installe.

Answer 1

If this is a work or school account, this is the supported path:

1. Try another sign-in method on the sign-in screen, if one is available.
2. If another method works, go to Security info at https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info or https://aka.ms/mysecurityinfo.
3. Select Add sign-in method.
4. Choose Microsoft Authenticator and complete the setup on the new phone.
5. After the new phone works, remove the old phone or old Authenticator method.

If the new phone was restored from backup, for a work or school account only the account name is restored. The account must be opened in Authenticator and signed in again. Seeing “Sign in to add your account.” is expected.

If no alternate sign-in method is available and sign-in is stuck in a loop requiring Authenticator, self-service setup is blocked. In that case:

• For a work or school account, contact the organization’s IT admin or help desk. If self-service passkey setup is not allowed, the admin must provide the approved recovery or registration process.
• If registration is blocked with messages such as location restricted by admin or Conditional Access blocking registration, the admin must enable the method or provide the correct registration path.

If this is a personal Microsoft account restored to a new phone and passwordless was used, only the account name is restored and sign-in is required again to complete setup.

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References:

• How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
• Transfer Microsoft Authenticator account entries to a new phone
• Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator
• New phone authenticator app - Microsoft Q&A