MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix Power BI Sign-In Fails When Authenticator Does Not Show Number

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to Power BI because the Microsoft Authenticator app does not display the required verification number for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Product: Power BI / Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Signing in to a Power BI account that is protected by multi-factor authentication.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft Authenticator application fails to show the requested number, preventing the user from completing the login process.

Before you start

Ensure that your mobile device has an active internet connection and that notifications are fully enabled for the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Your Organization Administrator for an MFA Reset

Since Power BI work or school accounts are managed by an organization, the internal IT administrator has the privileges to reset your MFA settings.

The most effective way to resolve a stuck Authenticator app for an organizational account is to have the current MFA sessions cleared from the admin center.

Identify your IT contact

Locate the contact information for your company's IT helpdesk or system administrator.

Request an MFA reset

Ask the administrator to 'Require re-register MFA' or revoke your old Authenticator app sessions in the Azure Active Directory (Entra ID) portal.

Re-register the app

Once the administrator has reset your settings, attempt to sign in to Power BI again. You will be prompted to scan a new QR code to set up Microsoft Authenticator from scratch.

Alternative Verification: While waiting for a reset, click 'Sign in another way' on the login screen to see if you can authenticate via SMS or phone call.

Solution 2

Reach Out to Microsoft Business Support

If you are the administrator or do not have an internal IT department, you must contact Microsoft Data Protection directly.

Solution 3

Consult Microsoft Authenticator and Power BI Forums

Seek specialized troubleshooting steps from community experts or Microsoft support engineers on official forums.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my Microsoft Authenticator showing the verification number?

This can happen due to a weak internet connection on your phone, aggressive battery optimization features putting the app to sleep, or the app temporarily losing sync with your Microsoft account.

Can I sign in to Power BI without the Authenticator app?

Yes, if you previously set up alternative verification methods (like SMS text, email, or a backup code) during your initial MFA setup, you can select 'Sign in another way' on the Power BI login screen to bypass the app.

How do I re-register my device in Microsoft Authenticator?

You will first need your organization's IT admin to revoke your existing MFA sessions. Afterward, logging into your Power BI account will prompt you to scan a new QR code to register the app again on your device.

Login & Account Issues