MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Stuck in a Sign-in Loop

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to their Microsoft 365 business account because the Microsoft Authenticator app is caught in a continuous loop during the verification process.

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Stuck in a Sign-in Loop

Product: Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to log into a Microsoft 365 business account where multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enforced.
Observed behavior: The Authenticator app repeatedly requests approval or a code, but gets stuck in a loop and fails to complete the login verification, preventing account access.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection on your mobile device and check if there are any ongoing Microsoft 365 service outages before proceeding with MFA resets.

Solution 1Recommended

Ask Another Administrator to Reset Your MFA Methods

If you are a standard user or an administrator with colleagues who also have admin rights, having them reset your MFA is the fastest way to break the loop.

This process clears your current authentication settings, allowing you to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app from scratch upon your next login.

Contact your IT administrator

Reach out to another Microsoft 365 global or authentication administrator within your organization and request an MFA reset for your account.

Administrator performs the reset

The administrator must log into the Microsoft Entra admin center (formerly Azure AD), locate your user profile, and select 'Require re-register MFA'.

Sign in and re-register

Once the reset is complete, attempt to sign in to your Microsoft 365 account on a web browser. You will be prompted to set up your Microsoft Authenticator app again.

Ask Another Administrator to Reset Your MFA Methods

Tip: When setting up the Authenticator app again, ensure your mobile device's time and date are set to update automatically, as out-of-sync clocks can cause verification loops.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Data Protection (For Sole Administrators)

If you are the only administrator for your Microsoft 365 tenant and are locked out due to the loop, you must contact Microsoft Support to regain access.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Need to Edit Documents While Locked Out? Try WPS Office

If your Microsoft 365 account is temporarily inaccessible due to an Authenticator loop, you don't have to stop working. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that lets you create, edit, and save your documents locally without requiring a complex cloud login.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software in minutes.
3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to continue working immediately.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxNo mandatory cloud MFA required for local document editingLightweight installation process for immediate access to your filesFamiliar tabbed user interface for a seamless transition

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Microsoft Authenticator app stuck in a loop?

Sign-in loops often occur due to conflicting cached data in the app, a loss of sync between your device's clock and Microsoft's servers, or backend session glitches in Microsoft Entra ID.

Can I bypass the Authenticator app if it stops working?

If Microsoft Authenticator is the only multi-factor authentication method enforced by your organization, you cannot bypass it yourself. You must contact an IT admin to reset your methods or provide a temporary access pass.

Will reinstalling the Authenticator app fix the login loop?

Reinstalling the app may clear corrupted cache causing the loop, but doing so will erase your connected accounts. You should only reinstall the app if your IT administrator is prepared to require a re-registration of your MFA, or if you have a cloud backup of your Authenticator accounts.

Login & Account Issues