Authenticator app not receiving code

Olanrewaju Lateef 0 Reputation points
2026-10-11T17:12:02.75+00:00

I wanted to sign in into my office Outlook mail, the mail sent code to be inputted in Authenticator and the authenticator is not responding.

Authenticator also requested for sign in which i did and it's gave me a code to enter in Authenticator whereas am in Authenticator, it's just like authenticator sending me to itself.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Authenticator
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-11T17:12:18.51+00:00

    This looks like an authentication loop between Outlook and Microsoft Authenticator. The supported fixes are:

    1. Make sure Microsoft Authenticator is open and unlocked. If the app is locked, the entry box or approval prompt might not appear.
    2. Check that notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator. Silent or disabled notifications can prevent the prompt from appearing.
    3. Update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version. An outdated app can cause authentication to fail.
    4. Check the phone connection. If the device has network issues, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data and try again.
    5. Verify the phone date and time are correct. Incorrect device time can break authentication.
    6. If the sign-in screen offers it, use a verification code instead of waiting for a notification. Authenticator and Outlook one-time codes refresh every 30 seconds, so if the timer is low, wait for the next code before entering it.
    7. If Outlook mobile is being used for sign-in, open: Outlook app > Home > Settings > Accounts > select the account > Sign-in requests Then copy the code shown there and paste it into the sign-in page.
    8. If the issue is with passwordless setup and Authenticator keeps sending back to itself, add the account directly in Microsoft Authenticator:
      • Open Authenticator
      • Select + Add account
      • Choose the account type
      • Select Sign in with Microsoft
      • Complete verification
    9. If this is a work or school account and the loop continues after these steps, send logs from Authenticator: Authenticator > top-level menu > Send feedback Then contact the organization’s IT admin. If Outlook approval and Authenticator depend on each other, the admin may need to reset MFA or allow re-registration.

    Also, never read Authenticator codes to anyone over phone or text. Real support staff should not ask for that code.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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