Microsoft Authenticator app help to get into email!!

avery_d 0 Reputation points
2026-11-04T20:13:32.0966667+00:00

I've been trying to log into my school's email, but it requires me to verify my identity with the Microsoft Authenticator app. When I open the app, it says I'm logged out of that email, so I sign in, but it also wants me to verify my identity with the app, and there's no way to do that while I'm already logging into my email in the app. I deleted it and re-downloaded the app, but the two are now not connected. I haven't been able to get into my school email for a while now because of the two-step authentication, and when I try a different method, it doesn't allow me to because it's all through the app which isn't working.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For education | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-04T20:14:07.49+00:00

    Contact your school’s IT help desk and ask them to reset your MFA registration and require you to re-register Microsoft Authenticator; reinstalling the app does not reconnect it to the Authenticator registration held by your school account.^1^

    What to ask the school

    Send or show IT this message:

    I deleted and reinstalled Microsoft Authenticator and am now stuck in an MFA verification loop. Authenticator is my only available verification method. Please require MFA re-registration for my account so I can pair the app again.

    If necessary, ask them to revoke your existing sign-in sessions as well. Do not ask only for a password reset: your password is not the unavailable verification method.

    If you do not know the help-desk contact, check the school’s website or ask a teacher, school administrator, or the person who issued your account.^2^

    Instructions for the school administrator

    An administrator with at least the Authentication Administrator role can:

    1. Sign in to the Microsoft Entra admin center.
    2. Go to Entra ID → Users.
    3. Select your user account.
    4. Select Authentication methods.
    5. Select Require re-register MFA.
    6. If needed, select Revoke sessions.

    “Require re-register MFA” removes the existing Authenticator and other MFA registrations, allowing new methods to be configured at the next sign-in.^3^

    After IT completes the reset

    1. Start signing in to your school account in a web browser.
    2. When prompted to secure the account, choose Microsoft Authenticator.
    3. In Authenticator, add a Work or school account.
    4. Scan the QR code displayed in the browser.
    5. Complete the test approval.
    6. If your school permits it, add a second method—such as a phone call, text, or security key—on the Security info page to prevent another lockout.^4^

    Avoid making many repeated sign-in attempts while waiting for IT. Repeated attempts can trigger a temporary sign-in block.^5^

    References

    1. Microsoft Authenticator Verification Failure - Microsoft Q&A
    2. How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? | Microsoft Support
    3. Manage user authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication
    4. Register the password reset verification method for a work or school account | Microsoft Support
    5. Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Jack-Bu 7,220 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-04T21:52:06.67+00:00

    Hi avery_d.

    From what you've described, it sounds like your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) setup may need to be reset.  Since your new device hasn't been registered yet, the authentication requests may still be linked to your previous device, which can leave you stuck in a sign-in loop.

    Because you're using a work or school account, the MFA settings are managed by your university's IT administrator. Unfortunately, this isn't something that can be reset from the user side.

    I'd recommend reaching out to your university's IT administrator and explaining that you're unable to sign in because you're stuck between Office apps and the Microsoft Authenticator app and are no longer receiving authentication prompts or codes.

    You can ask your IT administrator to reset your MFA or remove your current Microsoft Authenticator registration so you can register it again.

    You may also want to share the following Microsoft article with them: Manage authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication - Microsoft Entra ID |…

    If you are unsure who your IT administrator is, you can refer to this official Microsoft guide for assistance: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support   

    User's image

    Once your IT administrator resets your MFA registration, you should be able to sign in again and go through the Microsoft Authenticator setup process from the beginning, including scanning a new QR code on your device.

    I hope this points you in the right direction. If you receive any updates from your IT team or run into any issues along the way, feel free to reply back with more details and I'll be happy to help further.

    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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