Authenticator Loop

Question

Authenticator Loop

Jim Derrick 0

To sign in to one of my Outlook accounts that has not yet been added to the Microsoft Authenticator app, I must first authenticate my identity by entering a code for that account that is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app. The problem is that I cannot access the code until the account is added to the app, and I cannot add the account without receiving the code. I am thus trapped in a loop. If I could access the security page on my account, I could, of course, provide alternative means of confirming my identity, such as responding to a message on my telephone or at another email address, but I cannot do that until I enter the code. How do I solve this issue?

Many thanks!

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2 answers

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Answer 1

@Jim Derrick said

To sign in to one of my Outlook accounts that has not yet been added to the Microsoft Authenticator app, I must first authenticate my identity by entering a code for that account that is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Was this account previously registered with Microsoft Authenticator, but the account is no longer available in the app on your current device? (i.e. You have changed phones?)

Did you have any other verification methods setup on the account? e.g. "Email a code"

If Authenticator is the only verification method and you no longer have access to it, your only way out is the Account Recovery Process.

Start with the Account Sign-In Helper and follow any suggestions it offers.

In a Private/Incognito browser session, open: https://aka.ms/sign-in-helper
Scroll down to "Choose how you normally sign in, then enter your details"
Click "With an email address"
Enter your email address and click [OK]

Answer 2

For a personal Outlook/Microsoft account, use another verification method or replace the security info during sign-in:

On the verification screen, choose a method that is known to work.
If no listed method is accessible, choose I don't have any of these and follow the prompts to replace the security info.
If the alternate verification address is another Microsoft account such as @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com, use two private browsing windows:
1. In the first private window, sign in with the account that is requesting the code.
2. Leave that window open at the code prompt.
3. Open a second private window.
4. In the second window, sign in to the alternate email account that receives the code.
5. Copy the code back to the first window and complete sign-in.
If the account is temporarily blocked with Try another verification method, try a different verification method, switch networks between Wi‑Fi and cellular or another Wi‑Fi network, and avoid repeated attempts. Waiting 24 hours may clear the block, and in some cases it can take up to 1 week.
If prompted to verify or add security info, that step can be skipped for 24 hours at a time, but after seven days from the first notice, verification or new security info is required before sign-in continues.
If unrequested prompts or codes are appearing, do not approve them.

If passwordless setup is the source of the loop and the message is "You haven't finished yet", add the account directly in Microsoft Authenticator first:

Open Microsoft Authenticator.
Select + Add account.
Choose the account type.
Select Sign in with Microsoft and enter the account credentials.
Complete verification.
Then go to Add a new way to sign in or verify and select Use an app to finish setup.

If none of the available methods can be accessed, use the Microsoft sign-in helper or Contact Support. Support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details.