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Fix Microsoft Authenticator Not Sending Notifications or Codes
Question details
The user is unable to receive sign-in approval notifications or verification codes via the Microsoft Authenticator app when attempting to access their Microsoft email.
- Product
- Microsoft Authenticator / Microsoft Email
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Signing into a Microsoft email account that requires Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Observed behavior
- The Authenticator app fails to deliver push notifications or display the required verification codes, preventing the user from logging in.
Verify that your mobile device has a stable internet connection, turn off 'Do Not Disturb' mode, and ensure that notifications are explicitly enabled for the Microsoft Authenticator app in your device's system settings.
Request an MFA Reset from Your IT Administrator
Use this solution if your Microsoft email account is provided by a work or school organization.
Organization-managed accounts have strict security policies. If your authenticator stops working, only an administrator with access to the Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) admin center can reset your required authentication methods.
Reach out to your organization's IT department or system administrator via phone or an alternative communication channel.
Explain that you are not receiving Authenticator notifications and ask them to clear your existing MFA sessions and require re-registration.
Once the admin has reset your account, attempt to sign in to your email again. You will be prompted to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app from scratch by scanning a new QR code.
Contact Microsoft Data Protection (For Sole Administrators)
Use this method if you are the only global administrator for your organization's Microsoft tenant and find yourself locked out.
Use Alternative Verification for Personal Accounts
Follow these steps if you are experiencing this issue with a personal Microsoft account (such as Outlook.com, Hotmail, or Xbox).
Avoid Cloud Lockouts with WPS Office
Struggling with complicated authentication loops and locked-out Microsoft accounts? Consider switching to WPS Office, a powerful, free, and lightweight alternative that lets you handle your documents locally and seamlessly without relying on strict cloud authenticators.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install WPS Office.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX files to continue your work without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Microsoft Authenticator app not receiving push notifications?
This usually occurs due to poor network connectivity, strict battery optimization settings on your phone that restrict background app activity, or the app losing synchronization with Microsoft servers.
Can I use Microsoft Authenticator without an internet connection?
Yes. While push notifications require an active internet connection, you can still open the Authenticator app and manually type in the 6-digit time-based code, which generates automatically every 30 seconds even when offline.
How do I transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone?
If you enabled cloud backup in the Authenticator app on your old phone, you can recover your credentials on the new device by signing in with your recovery account. If you didn't, you will need to ask your IT admin to reset your MFA or use backup codes to set up the new device manually.
What should I do if my Authenticator code is constantly rejected?
Go to the Settings menu inside the Microsoft Authenticator app and look for the 'Time correction for codes' or 'Sync time' option. Tap it to ensure your app's internal clock is perfectly synced with Microsoft's servers.
