MFA & Verification Issues

Fix Microsoft Authenticator Asking for a Code During Setup

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is caught in an authentication loop where signing into a new device prompts for a Microsoft Authenticator code, but setting up the Authenticator app itself requires that exact same code, with no alternative sign-in options available.

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up the Microsoft Authenticator app and signing in on a new device.
Observed behavior: The application prompts the user for a verification code from the Authenticator app to proceed, creating an endless loop since the app is currently being set up and cannot generate the code.

Before you start

Before proceeding, check if you have an active session of your Microsoft account on another computer or your previous mobile device, as you might be able to approve the sign-in request from there.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Your Organization's IT Administrator

If you are using a work or school account, your IT administrator has the authority to reset your multi-factor authentication (MFA) settings.

Work and school accounts are managed through Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD). When you are locked out because you changed devices without migrating the Authenticator app, only an administrator can clear your old device registration.

Reach out to IT support

Contact your company's IT helpdesk or your school's technology support department.

Request an MFA reset

Ask the administrator to 'Require re-register MFA' or clear your existing authentication methods in the Microsoft admin portal.

Set up the app again

Once the admin has cleared your old methods, log in to your account on the new device. You will be prompted to set up Microsoft Authenticator as if it were your first time.

Immediate Access: Once the administrator resets your MFA, the loop is instantly broken, and you can securely register your new device.

Solution 2

Seek Specialized Assistance on Microsoft Q&A

For complex personal account recovery where no other options exist, seeking guidance from Microsoft support engineers is the safest path.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

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1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation file.
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3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office files directly to continue your work without interruptions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft Authenticator asking for a code from the app itself?

This happens when the Authenticator app is set as your default or only two-factor authentication method, and you are trying to register a new device without having backed up or transferred the account from your old device first.

Can I bypass the Authenticator code if I lost my phone?

If you have alternative verification methods like SMS or a secondary email set up, click 'Sign in another way' on the login screen. If no other methods are available, you must contact your IT admin (for work/school) or use the Microsoft account recovery form (for personal accounts).

How do I back up my Microsoft Authenticator accounts to prevent this?

In the Authenticator app settings on your active device, you can turn on Cloud Backup (for iOS) or Cloud Sync (for Android). This ties your account credentials to your personal Microsoft account, making it easier to recover them on a new phone.

Login & Account Issues