MFA & Verification Issues

Fix Microsoft Authenticator No Code After Replacing Phone

Ayan Masood Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user cannot access their university account because the Microsoft Authenticator app on their new phone does not display any verification codes.

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Showing No Code After Replacing Your Phone

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to university email and learning services on a newly replaced mobile device without having backed up the Authenticator app.
Observed behavior: Sign-in requests cannot be approved because the new phone's Microsoft Authenticator app is blank and lacks the previously connected accounts, blocking all access.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to any backup phone numbers or alternative email addresses associated with your account, and keep your student ID ready in case you need to contact your university IT helpdesk.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an Alternative Verification Method

Bypass the Authenticator app by using a previously set up SMS text, phone call, or backup email verification method.

If you added a backup phone number or alternative email address to your security profile before losing your old phone, you can use it to verify your identity and regain access to your account.

Navigate to the sign-in page

Go to the university or Microsoft login page and enter your standard username and password.

Select an alternative sign-in option

When prompted to approve the request in the Authenticator app, click the link that says 'Sign in another way' or 'I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now'.

Choose your backup method

Select an alternative method from the list, such as receiving a verification code via text message or a phone call.

Enter the verification code

Input the code you received via text or call to successfully log into your account.

Update your security settings

Once logged in, go to your Account Security or Security Info settings to remove the old phone's Authenticator entry and set up the app on your new phone.

Update Successful: Always remember to register the Authenticator app on your new device immediately after gaining access to prevent future lockouts.

Solution 2

Sign In From a Previously Trusted Device

Use a computer or tablet where you are already logged in to update your security settings without needing an MFA prompt.

Solution 3

Contact Your University IT Administrator

If no alternative methods or trusted devices are available, your IT admin must reset your MFA settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent losing access to Microsoft Authenticator in the future?

Before switching to a new phone, open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your old phone, go to Settings, and turn on 'Cloud Backup' (for iOS) or 'Cloud Sync' (for Android). On your new phone, you can tap 'Begin recovery' to restore your credentials from this backup.

Why isn't 'Sign in another way' appearing on my login screen?

This option only appears if you have previously added alternative verification methods, such as a backup phone number or secondary email, to your account's security info. If your university administrator has restricted the use of SMS or phone calls for MFA, the option will also be hidden.

Can I have Microsoft Authenticator set up on two phones at once?

Yes, you can configure Microsoft Authenticator on multiple devices. You simply need to log into your account security settings on a computer, select 'Add a new method', choose Authenticator app, and scan the provided QR code with the app on your second device.

Login & Account Issues