MFA & Verification Issues

How to Reset Microsoft Authenticator MFA Without Backup Codes

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to regain access to their Microsoft account after the Authenticator app was deleted and backup codes were lost.

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to a Microsoft account after a password reset, but getting blocked by the Multi-Factor Authentication prompt.
Observed behavior: The system continues to require MFA verification to sign in, which is impossible because the Authenticator app is missing and backup codes are unavailable.

Before you start

Before proceeding, check if you have an alternative verification method attached to your account, such as an SMS phone number, a secondary email address, or a physical security key.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Your IT Administrator (Work or School Accounts)

If your account is managed by an organization, your IT admin has the administrative privileges to reset your MFA settings.

Work and school accounts are managed through a central Microsoft 365 tenant. Individual users cannot bypass MFA if they lose their device and backup codes. Only the administrator can intervene.

Identify your Administrator

Reach out to your company's IT helpdesk, system administrator, or the person who issued your work or school email address.

Request an MFA Reset

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

Re-register your device

Once the admin clears the old settings, log into your Microsoft 365 account. You will be prompted to set up a new authentication method. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your new Authenticator app.

Fastest Resolution: For enterprise environments, an admin can usually resolve this issue in a matter of minutes from their admin portal.

Solution 2

Use Microsoft Recovery for Personal Accounts

Since personal accounts lack a central admin, you must rely on Microsoft's automated recovery processes and community support.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Data Protection (Admin Accounts)

If you are the sole administrator of a tenant and are locked out, you must contact Microsoft directly to regain access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting the Microsoft Authenticator app disable MFA?

No. Deleting the app from your phone does not disable MFA on your account. It simply removes your ability to generate the required codes, which is why it leads to lockouts if no backup methods are available.

Can I bypass Microsoft Authenticator if I know my password?

No, if MFA is enabled, knowing your password is only the first step of authentication. You must also provide the secondary verification or successfully complete an account recovery process.

What are backup codes for Microsoft Authenticator?

Backup codes are a set of single-use numeric codes provided when you first enable two-step verification. They act as an emergency login method if you lose access to your authenticator app or phone.

How do I set up a new Authenticator app on a new phone?

You must first regain access to your Microsoft account using a backup method or an admin reset. Once logged in, navigate to your Security settings, remove the old device, and add a new Authenticator app by scanning the provided QR code.

Login & Account Issues