MFA & Verification Issues

Fix Microsoft Authenticator Sign-In Loop and MFA Lockout

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is trapped in a circular sign-in loop where signing into Microsoft Teams requires an Authenticator code, but opening the Authenticator app requires a code from itself.

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to Microsoft Teams while being prompted for multi-factor authentication.
Observed behavior: Reinstalling the Microsoft Authenticator app does not resolve the circular sign-in problem, resulting in a total MFA lockout.

Before you start

Before proceeding, check if you have an alternative authentication method configured, such as SMS verification or a backup email, by clicking 'Sign in another way' on the login screen.

Solution 1Recommended

Request Account MFA Reset from IT Admin or Microsoft Support

Since the app is locked in a circular dependency, only an administrator or Microsoft support specialist can reset the MFA sessions to break the loop.

When you are caught in an Authenticator loop, the system requires a code from the very app you are trying to access. Reinstalling the app invalidates previous tokens, cementing the lockout. A backend MFA reset is the only reliable fix.

Contact Your IT Administrator

If you are using a work or school account, contact your organization's IT department. Ask them to select 'Require re-register MFA' for your account in the Azure Active Directory (Entra ID) admin center.

Post on Microsoft Q&A for Personal Accounts

If you are using a personal account, navigate to the Microsoft Q&A platform. Post your specific issue in the Microsoft Authenticator support forum where Microsoft specialists can provide targeted recovery assistance.

Use Alternate Sign-in Methods

When prompted for a code on the login screen, click 'I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now' to check if alternative verification methods like SMS or email are available.

Work vs Personal Accounts: Microsoft Q&A is the recommended route for personal accounts, while IT Admins have direct control over resolving this loop for enterprise and school accounts.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If Microsoft 365 sign-in loops and MFA lockouts are disrupting your daily workflow, consider using WPS Office. It provides a reliable, free alternative that doesn't force complex cloud authentication loops just to edit your local documents.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
3. Open Your Documents: Directly open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files and start editing immediately without dealing with cloud MFA lockouts.

No forced complex MFA loops for offline document editingFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight application that opens quickly without stallingFamiliar user interface for seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Authenticator ask for a code from itself?

This loop typically occurs when the Authenticator app is set as your default sign-in method but loses its authorization token, or if you attempt to set up a new phone without properly migrating your existing accounts first.

Will reinstalling Microsoft Authenticator fix the sign-in loop?

No, reinstalling the app actually deletes your local security tokens. This makes it impossible to approve sign-ins locally without an IT administrator resetting your backend MFA configuration.

How can I bypass the Authenticator app if I am locked out?

Click on 'Sign in another way' or 'I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now' on the login screen. If you previously configured backup methods, you can choose to receive a verification code via SMS or an alternate email address.

Login & Account Issues