MFA & Verification Issues

Fix the Microsoft Authenticator Sign-In Loop After Changing Phones

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to access their school account because the new Microsoft Authenticator app requires an approval prompt that is being sent to the app itself, causing an endless sign-in loop.

How to Fix the Microsoft Authenticator Sign-In Loop After Changing Phones

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to a school account on a new phone after the old phone was wiped or becomes unavailable.
Observed behavior: The authentication system prompts for MFA approval through the Authenticator app, but since the new phone isn't fully registered, it cannot receive or approve its own sign-in request.

Before you start

Check if you have any secondary authentication methods previously set up, such as a backup email or SMS phone number, and have your student or employee ID ready in case you need to contact technical support.

Solution 1

Use an Alternative Verification Method

Bypass the Authenticator app by using a fallback verification method like SMS text message or email, if you set one up previously.

If you previously configured secondary authentication options, you can use them to bypass the app approval and successfully log into your account.

Select an alternative sign-in option

On the sign-in screen where it asks you 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 code via SMS to your phone number or an email to your recovery address.

Enter the verification code

Retrieve the code sent to your phone or email, enter it on the sign-in screen, and proceed to log in to your account.

Solution 2Recommended

Request an MFA Reset from the IT Help Desk

Since school and work accounts are managed by the institution, an IT administrator must reset your multifactor authentication settings to break the loop.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Need to Work on Documents While Locked Out? Try WPS Office

If you are stuck in an MFA loop and cannot access your Microsoft 365 school account, WPS Office is a perfect lightweight alternative. You can work on your local files immediately without complex cloud sign-ins.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install the application: Run the installation file and follow the quick setup wizard to install the software.
3. Open existing Office files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx school files directly. The formatting will be perfectly preserved.

100% free to download and use for essential document editingFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)No mandatory cloud accounts or complex MFA required for offline workLightweight application that runs smoothly on almost any desktop or mobile device

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Authenticator asking me to approve a sign-in on the exact same phone?

This happens when the Microsoft authentication system is still tied to the unique hardware ID of your old phone. The system is sending the push notification to the old app instance, but your new phone is trying to log in, creating a loop.

Can I recover my Microsoft Authenticator accounts from a backup?

Yes, if you enabled cloud backup on your old phone, you can use the 'Begin recovery' option on the new phone's Authenticator app. However, managed school or work accounts often require a fresh QR code scan for security reasons, regardless of backups.

How long does it take for IT to reset my MFA settings?

It depends on your school's IT department queue and policies. However, the actual process of an administrator clicking 'Require re-register MFA' takes only a few seconds once they have verified your identity.

Login & Account Issues