MFA & Verification Issues

Fix Microsoft Authenticator Not Sending Push Notifications

Camila Milosovich Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is attempting to sign in, but the Microsoft Authenticator app fails to send the required push notifications for multi-factor authentication.

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Not Sending Push Notifications

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to authenticate a sign-in request on a Microsoft website or organizational portal.
Observed behavior: The sign-in page records the authentication attempt, but the Authenticator app receives no push notification and offers no alternative sign-in method, blocking access.

Before you start

Ensure your mobile device has an active and stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) and verify that 'Do Not Disturb' mode is turned off, as it can silently block incoming push notifications.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Connectivity, Notification Settings, and Restart

The most common reason for missed push notifications is disabled app permissions or a temporary network glitch.

Before making any major changes to your account, verify that your device is actively receiving data and that the Authenticator app has the necessary system permissions to alert you.

Verify internet access

Open a web browser on your mobile device and load a webpage to confirm that your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is working correctly.

Check notification permissions

Navigate to your phone's Settings app, find the 'Notifications' or 'Apps' section, select Microsoft Authenticator, and ensure 'Allow Notifications' is toggled on.

Restart app and device

Force close the Microsoft Authenticator app. Then, restart your mobile phone completely to clear any temporary software glitches.

Retry sign-in

Go back to the sign-in website and trigger the authentication request again to see if the notification now appears on your phone.

Check Connectivity, Notification Settings, and Restart

Battery Optimization: Strict battery optimization settings on some Android devices can put the Authenticator app to sleep. Consider setting the app's battery usage to 'Unrestricted' in your device settings.

Solution 2

Remove and Re-add Your Account

If basic restarts do not work, the connection token between your account and the app may be corrupted. Re-adding the account forces a fresh sync.

Solution 3

Contact Administrator or Microsoft Support

When troubleshooting steps fail and you are locked out, an administrator needs to clear your MFA sessions from the backend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft Authenticator not showing up on my screen?

This typically happens if battery optimization settings on your mobile device put the app to sleep, or if 'Do Not Disturb' or 'Focus' modes are active. Ensure the Authenticator app has unrestricted background data and battery usage permissions in your phone's settings.

Can I sign in if the Authenticator app push notifications aren't working?

Yes. On the sign-in screen, click 'Sign in another way' or 'I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now'. You can then choose to enter a time-based verification code generated directly inside the app, or use alternative methods like SMS or email if you set them up previously.

Does Microsoft Authenticator work without a Wi-Fi connection?

While receiving push notifications requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data), the app can still generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) completely offline. You can manually enter this 6-digit code on the sign-in page to log in.

How do I force Microsoft Authenticator to sync my account?

Open the Authenticator app and simply pull down on the main screen to refresh. Alternatively, you can tap on your specific account, go to the settings gear, and look for a manual sync or refresh option to update the connection status.

Login & Account Issues