why doesn’t my authenticator app receive notifications or give me codes

Wels Keeton-Powell (00507393) 0 Reputation points
2026-11-05T10:58:31.1133333+00:00

I am trying to re enrol at my university and every time I try to I need to approve a code or put in a number on my authenticator app. But the app does not receive any notifications. I have also tried to use passwords instead but they don’t work and in order to change them I need to again enter a code into my app but nothing comes up. Why is this and how can I fix it?

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

    2026-11-05T10:58:49.6266667+00:00

    Common causes are:

    1. Notifications are blocked or silent
      • Check whether the phone is in Do Not Disturb or Quiet mode.
      • In the phone settings, make sure Microsoft Authenticator is allowed to show notifications, sound, or vibration.
      • If the app says Enable push notifications to receive alerts, enable push notifications and confirm the phone has network connectivity.
    2. Network or device issues
      • Switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
      • Make sure Airplane mode is off.
      • If using a VPN, disconnect it and test again.
    3. Incorrect date and time
      • Authenticator requires the device clock to be accurate.
      • Set Date & time to automatic, then restart the phone.
    4. Outdated app or device software
      • Update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version.
      • Microsoft does not support app versions more than 12 months old.
      • Make sure the phone OS is up to date.
    5. The account registration in Authenticator is no longer valid
      • If notifications work for some accounts but not the university account, remove that account from Authenticator and add it again, allowing notifications.
      • If the app was previously active on an old phone, the approval prompt may still be going there. Check the old device if available.
    6. The app is locked or not refreshing properly
      • Unlock the Authenticator app.
      • Open the app and refresh it.
      • Check whether the university account appears active and not gray/inactive.

    If access is completely blocked and no alternative sign-in method works, the practical fix for a school account is to contact the university IT administrator and ask for the Microsoft Authenticator / MFA method to be reset so it can be registered again. The work/school guidance says to reach out to the IT admin if the issue continues.

    References:

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

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  2. Demi Nguyen 3,030 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-05T15:12:11.3533333+00:00

    Hello Wels Keeton-Powell (00507393),

    Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A Forum.  

    Based on your description, the issue occurs because your Microsoft account is protected by Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Since your account is managed by your school, Microsoft cannot directly reset or revoke your multi-factor authentication settings. This action must be performed by your school’s IT administrator.  

    Please reach out to your IT admin and request that they revoke and require re-registration of your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) settings. They can do this by following these steps:  

    • Signing in to the Microsoft Entra Admin Center  
    • Navigating to Users > Your Account > Authentication methods  
    • Selecting Require re-register MFA  

    Once this is completed, you will be prompted to set up MFA again during your next login, allowing you to configure Microsoft Authenticator on your device.

    User's image

    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

    Please contact your school’s IT team as soon as possible, as they are the only ones who can perform this reset. Once they have completed the process, try signing in again and let us know if you need further guidance.  

    Best regards,  

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". 

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