Fix Microsoft Account Requesting Code After Deleting Authenticator
Question details
The user deleted the Microsoft Authenticator app but is still being prompted by Microsoft to enter a verification code from the app during sign-in.
- Product
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to a Microsoft account after the Authenticator app or account data was uninstalled or deleted locally from a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- The sign-in process is blocked because Microsoft continues to request a code from the Authenticator app, failing to recognize that the app has been removed.
Ensure you have access to any backup verification methods you previously set up for your Microsoft account, such as a secondary email address or a phone number.
Use an Alternate Verification Method to Remove Authenticator
Use a backup authentication method to access your account, which allows you to manually delete the Authenticator app from your security settings.
Deleting the Microsoft Authenticator app from your phone only removes the local data. Your Microsoft account settings still list the app as your primary Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method. You must sign in and remove it from the cloud settings.
On the Microsoft login screen, enter your password. When prompted for the Authenticator code, click the 'Sign in another way' or 'I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now' link.
Choose an available backup method, such as receiving an SMS code on your registered phone number or a verification link sent to your alternate email address.
Once signed in, open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Security Info page at https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
Locate 'Microsoft Authenticator' in the list of your active sign-in methods. Click the 'Delete' button next to it and confirm your choice to permanently unlink the deleted app from your account.
Contact Your Global Administrator or IT Support
If you are using a work or school account and do not have an alternative verification method, your IT administrator must reset your MFA settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft still ask for an Authenticator code after I deleted the app?
Deleting the app from your mobile device only removes the local application data. The Microsoft servers still recognize the app as your primary two-factor authentication method until you sign in and manually remove it from your account's Security Info settings.
Can I recover my Microsoft Authenticator account if I reinstall the app?
Yes, but only if you had previously enabled the 'Cloud Backup' feature within the Microsoft Authenticator app before deleting it. If backup was enabled, you can reinstall the app and choose 'Begin recovery' to restore your linked accounts.
What should I do if I don't have any alternate sign-in methods set up?
If it is a personal Microsoft account, you will need to go through the Microsoft Account Recovery process online. If it is a work or school account, you must contact your organization's IT administrator to revoke your old MFA sessions and reset your authentication methods.
