Problems with Authenticator

Fernando Soriano 20 Reputation points
2025-10-31T18:37:45.75+00:00

I try to log in in my account but ask me to give a code in Authenticator, and when I go into Authenticator to set up the account for it to give me codes I can’t set the account because it also ask for codes from the Authenticator, how can I change this?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For education
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  1. Lia V 3,550 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-31T19:51:05.2333333+00:00

    Hi @Fernando Soriano,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum, and I’m sorry to hear you're having trouble accessing your account due to Microsoft Authenticator app.

    To help determine the best solution for your situation, could you confirm the following details:

    • Have you previously set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on any device for this account, or is this your first time trying to sign in? 
    • Are you trying to sign in using a personal account (e.g., @hotmail.com) or a work or school account (@yourcompany.com or @ yourschool.com)?
    • Have you recently changed phones or reset your Authenticator app?
    • Is there any error message appears while you attempt to sign in?
    • Do you see the account listed in the Authenticator app, or is it asking you to add it again?

    Once I have a clearer understanding of your current situation, I’ll be happy to assist you with greater accuracy. Please feel free to share any additional details you believe are relevant.

    While we wait for your response, I'd like to provide some information that may help, in case your account is a work or school account:

    When your university enforces multi-factor authentication (MFA) and only allows verification through the Microsoft Authenticator app, the system will not display other options such as SMS, email, or phone call unless those methods have been configured by your administrator. That’s likely why you're being prompted exclusively for the Authenticator app. 

     User's image

    If you haven’t installed the app yet, you can follow this official guide to get started: How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator - Microsoft Support  

    You can also refer to this article for instructions on signing in using the app:  Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator - Microsoft Support 

    If you need further assistance, you can reach out to your IT administrator and share the steps outlined in the article Manage user authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication. This will help them assist you in resetting your MFA settings and restoring access to your account. Once this is done, you’ll be prompted to set up MFA again on your new device during your next sign-in.

    Note: Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

    If you have any updates, feel free to leave a comment under this post. I’ll be happy to assist further. 

    Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in resolving this matter.

    I'm looking forward to your reply.


    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.  


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  1. Fernando Soriano 20 Reputation points
    2025-11-05T15:17:18.7866667+00:00

    Thanks for the information, but due to the origin of the account I have to contact the IT manager of the organization to release the authentication process and start all over again.

    Thanks for the follow up and the help


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