MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix Azure and DevOps Access After Removing Authenticator Account

Khadija Khan Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is locked out of their Azure and DevOps organization accounts because they accidentally removed the account from the Microsoft Authenticator app and have no alternative verification methods.

How to Fix Azure and DevOps Access After Removing Authenticator Account

Product: Azure / Azure DevOps / Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to sign in to Azure or DevOps but getting blocked by a multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompt that requires the now-removed Authenticator app.
Observed behavior: The login process cannot be completed because the MFA prompt requires verification from the Authenticator app, and no fallback login methods are available.

Before you start

Before proceeding, check the sign-in screen to see if a 'Sign in another way' or 'I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now' link is available, which might let you use a backup phone number or email if previously configured.

Solution 1Recommended

Ask Another Organization Administrator to Reset MFA

If you are not the sole administrator, another global administrator in your organization can reset your authentication methods so you can set up the app again.

In Microsoft 365 and Azure environments, tenant administrators have the authority to manage user authentication methods. Having another admin reset your MFA is the fastest way to regain access.

Contact your administrator

Reach out to your IT department, helpdesk, or another Global Administrator in your organization.

Request an MFA reset

Ask the administrator to log into the Azure portal or Microsoft Entra ID admin center, navigate to your user profile, and select 'Require re-register MFA'.

Log in and reconfigure

Once the administrator has reset your settings, go to the Azure or DevOps login page and sign in with your password. You will be prompted to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app as if it were your first time.

Ask Another Organization Administrator to Reset MFA

Finding Your Administrator: If you do not know who your administrator is, check your organization's internal directory or Microsoft's 'Find the administrator for your work or school account' support page.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Business Support (For Sole Administrators)

If you are the only administrator on the account and are locked out, you must contact the Microsoft Data Protection team to regain access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out who my organization's IT administrator is?

If you are unsure who your administrator is, you can check your initial welcome emails, consult your internal company directory, or reach out to your HR/IT department. Microsoft also provides an account billing support page to help identify the administrator for work or school accounts.

What proof is required by the Microsoft Data Protection team to reset my MFA?

When contacting Microsoft business support as a sole administrator, you may be asked to provide your tenant ID, billing invoices, domain registration details, phone number on file, and other proof of subscription ownership to verify your identity.

Can I restore my Microsoft Authenticator account from a cloud backup?

If you previously enabled cloud backup in the Microsoft Authenticator app, you might be able to recover your account credentials by choosing 'Begin recovery' on a newly installed app. However, if the account was manually deleted from the app instead of the app being uninstalled, the backup will not restore the active MFA token.

Login & Account Issues