Authenticator app

If Microsoft Authenticator was deleted and then reinstalled, the previous registration may still be tied to the old app instance or old device state. That can stop push notifications from appearing after reinstall.

Try these checks in order:

1. Make sure notifications are enabled in the app and on the phone
   • In Authenticator, open Settings and make sure Show notifications is turned on.
   • In the phone’s system settings, make sure Authenticator is allowed to send push notifications.
   • If the phone is in Do Not Disturb or Quiet mode, turn that off.
2. Check basic device conditions
   • Make sure the phone has internet access.
   • Try switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
   • If a VPN is enabled, disconnect it and test again.
   • Make sure Airplane mode is off.
   • Set the device Date & time to automatic, then restart the phone.
3. Update the app
   • Install the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator. Versions older than 12 months are not supported.
4. If notifications still do not arrive, remove and add the account again
   • If some accounts work but one does not, remove the affected account from Authenticator and add it again, allowing notifications during setup.
   • If the app shows “Enable push notifications to receive alerts”, enable push notifications and try adding the account again.
5. If this started after changing phones or reinstalling the app
   • Notifications may still be going to the old device registration.
   • For a personal Microsoft account, remove the old Authenticator device from the two-step verification area in Account Security, then register the app again.
   • For a work or school account, remove the old device from the two-step verification area in My Apps or the organization’s company portal.
6. If the app is asking for approval from itself and cannot complete sign-in
   • That usually means the old MFA registration is still active but the reinstalled app no longer has the credentials needed.
   • For a work or school account, the IT admin may need to require MFA re-registration.
   • For a personal account, remove the old Authenticator sign-in method from the account security settings and add it again.
7. If the app is locked or shows “Authentication did not complete”
   • Make sure the app is unlocked.
   • Check whether authentication codes arrived silently by text.
   • Retry after confirming notifications, network, app version, and date/time settings.

If none of that fixes it:

• For a personal account, open Authenticator, go to the top-level menu, select Send feedback, then contact Support.
• For a work or school account, send feedback from the app and then contact the organization’s IT admin.

References:

• Microsoft Authenticator FAQs | Microsoft Support
• Troubleshoot problems with Microsoft Authenticator | Microsoft Support
• Authentication did not complete | Microsoft Support
• I have entered a loop with the Authenticator app - Microsoft Q&A
• Authenticator locked and cannot access at all after replacing phone - Microsoft Q&A