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How to Sign In When Microsoft 365 Admin Authenticator App Is Missing
Question details
A Microsoft 365 administrator is locked out of the admin center after deleting the Authenticator app, as multifactor authentication is still required to sign in.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign into the Microsoft 365 admin center after the Authenticator app was removed or deleted.
- Observed behavior
- The system continues to prompt for multifactor authentication, preventing access to the admin account.
Check with your organization to determine if there is another active Global Administrator in your Microsoft 365 tenant, as this determines your recovery process.
Reset MFA Methods via Another Global Administrator
If your organization has more than one global administrator, the secondary admin can reset your multifactor authentication methods.
Have the secondary global administrator log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using their own credentials.
Navigate to the 'Users' menu, select 'Active users', and click on your locked-out administrator account.
Click on 'Manage multifactor authentication' and select the option to require the user to provide contact methods again.
Contact Microsoft Business Support
If you are the sole global administrator for your tenant, you must contact Microsoft Support to verify your identity and regain access.
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- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software on your computer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Microsoft Community moderators help me recover my MFA-locked admin account?
No. For security reasons, community moderators do not have access to backend systems and cannot recover or reset administrator accounts. You must contact the Data Protection team.
What happens if I am the only global administrator and I lose my authenticator app?
You will be locked out of the Microsoft 365 Admin center. You need to contact Microsoft Business Support by phone and ask the Data Protection team to perform a manual identity verification and MFA reset.
How can I avoid losing access if my Authenticator app is deleted in the future?
It is highly recommended to set up at least two Global Administrator accounts for your tenant. Additionally, configure alternative authentication methods, such as an alternate email address or a phone number for SMS verification.
