Authenticator app not getting codes

Question

I am not getting codes on my authenticator app. Have tried and retried. Uninstalled and reinstalled. Allowed all notifications. Nothing will work. I cannot access critical accounts because it says to enter the code from your authenticator app and I don't ever get a code.

Answer 1

Follow these steps to troubleshoot Microsoft Authenticator not showing codes or prompts:

1. Confirm what is being requested
   • If the site says “Enter the code from your authenticator app,” look in the Authenticator app for either:
     • A 6- or 8-digit one-time password (OTP) under the account (often labeled “One-time password code”), or
     • A push notification asking to approve/deny.
   • If there is no OTP line at all for that account, the account may not be correctly registered in Authenticator and will need to be re-added by going through that site’s security/MFA setup again.
2. Check for push notifications issues
   • If the problem is that no push notification appears:
     • Make sure the phone is not in Do Not Disturb/Quiet mode.
     • Verify other apps can receive notifications; if not, fix the phone’s notification or network settings.
     • In the phone’s Settings, confirm notifications are enabled for Microsoft Authenticator and sound/vibration is allowed.
     • If notifications work for some accounts but not others, remove the problematic account from Authenticator and add it again, allowing notifications when prompted.
3. Check if notifications are going to an old device
   • When registering or signing in, push notifications may still be sent to an older phone where Authenticator was last used.
   • If the old device is available, open Authenticator there and approve the sign-in.
   • If not, use another verification method offered by the site (such as SMS or email) to get back in and then remove the old device from your account security settings.
4. Fix “Authentication did not complete” or silent prompts
   • Ensure Microsoft Authenticator is unlocked (if the app is locked, the approval box may not appear).
   • Make sure the app is updated to the latest version.
   • Check that the phone has a working internet connection; if needed, switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
   • Ensure the device’s date and time are set correctly (prefer automatic time).
5. If no method works and you cannot access accounts
   • Use any available “I can’t use my authenticator app right now” or “Use a different verification option” link on the sign-in page to switch to SMS/email if configured.
   • If there is no alternative method and the account is a work/school or tenant admin account, contact the organization’s IT admin or Microsoft support/Data Protection team to reset MFA for the account, as shown in the referenced Q&A examples.

If after these steps the app still shows no OTP and never receives prompts for a specific account, that account’s MFA registration is likely broken and must be reset by the account provider or tenant admin.

---

References:

• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs
• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Authentication did not complete
• Authenticator app not sending code to my email - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Authenticator app doesn't show 6-digit OTP code - Microsoft Q&A
• Reset Personal Azure MFA - Microsoft Q&A
• Requesting a Tenant Admin MFA Reset - Microsoft Q&A