Microsoft Authenticator App Not Working | Basic Fixes

If your Microsoft Authenticator app isn’t working — for example, it’s not generating codes, not approving sign-ins, or failing to sync — don’t worry.

This is a common issue, and it can usually be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.

Below is a complete guide to help you get it working again 👇

🧭 1. Identify the Problem

First, check what exactly isn’t working:

• 🔁 Codes not accepted (you enter the code, but Microsoft says it’s wrong)

• 🚫 No notification for approval (you never get the “Approve/Decline” prompt)

• ⚠️ App won’t open or crashes

• 📱 New phone / lost access to the app entirely

Each has a slightly different fix.

⚙️ 2. Basic Fixes

✅ A. Check Internet & Time Settings

• Make sure your phone has an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or data).

• Check that your phone’s date and time are set automatically:

  • iPhone: Settings → General → Date & Time → Set Automatically

  • Android: Settings → System → Date & Time → Use network-provided time

• The app’s time must match the server time exactly for codes to work.

✅ B. Restart Everything

• Restart your phone.

• Log out and back in to your Microsoft account (on the device you’re trying to sign in to).

• If you’re trying to approve a login on another device, refresh that page after restarting.

✅ C. Update the App

• Go to your app store (Play Store or App Store) and check for updates.

• Outdated versions sometimes cause sync or notification errors.

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🔒 3. Notifications Not Showing (Push Approvals)

If you’re not receiving “Approve” notifications:

• Check notification settings:

  • iPhone → Settings → Notifications → Microsoft Authenticator → Turn ON “Allow Notifications.”

  • Android → Settings → Apps → Authenticator → Notifications → Make sure they’re enabled.

• Open the Authenticator app, go to Settings, and ensure “App Lock” or Battery Optimization isn’t blocking background activity.

• Try manually opening the app — sometimes the approval request appears there even if you didn’t get a push.

🔁 4. Codes Not Working

If your 6-digit codes are being rejected:

• Wait a few seconds and retry — the code changes every 30 seconds.

• Make sure your phone’s time is correct (see Step 2A).

• If the issue persists, remove and re-add your Microsoft account in the Authenticator app (see below).

📲 5. Reconnect / Re-add Your Account

If all else fails, re-pair the app with your Microsoft account:

1. Go to the Microsoft account security page:
   https://account.live.com/proofs/manage

2. Sign in (you may need a backup method like SMS or email).

3. Under “Authenticator App,” choose Remove or Set up a new app.

4. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app → Add Account → Work or personal account → Scan the QR code shown on the website.

5. Approve a test sign-in to confirm it’s working.

🔑 6. New Phone / Lost Access

If you got a new phone or lost your old one:

• If you still have backup access (like text, email, or recovery codes):

  • Go to https://account.live.com

  • Sign in using those backup options.

  • Reinstall Microsoft Authenticator and scan the QR code to set it up again.

• If you don’t have backup access, you’ll need to recover your account manually:

  • Visit: https://aka.ms/authapprecovery

  • Follow the recovery steps to regain access.

🧰 7. Advanced Fixes (if it still fails)

• Clear cache/data (Android only):

  • Settings → Apps → Microsoft Authenticator → Storage → Clear Cache (and optionally Clear Data).

• Disable battery optimization (Android):

  • Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Exclude Microsoft Authenticator.

• Reinstall the app entirely and set it up again using your backup codes.

🆘 8. Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above steps work, contact Microsoft:

• Microsoft Account Help: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing

• Work/School Accounts (Microsoft 365): Ask your IT administrator to reset your multi-factor authentication.