MFA & Verification Issues

How to Troubleshoot Microsoft Authenticator QR Code Scan Issues for SharePoint

Khadija Khan Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users are unable to scan the Microsoft Authenticator QR code during the two-step verification setup for email and SharePoint.

How to Troubleshoot Microsoft Authenticator QR Code Scan Issues for SharePoint

Product: Microsoft Authenticator / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up two-step verification (MFA) for secure access to Microsoft services such as SharePoint and corporate email.
Observed behavior: The Microsoft Authenticator app fails to scan the provided QR code on the screen, preventing the completion of the two-step verification setup.

Before you start

Check your smartphone's application settings to ensure Microsoft Authenticator has permission to access your camera, and adjust your computer monitor's brightness for better QR code visibility.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Manual Setup for Microsoft Authenticator

Use this method if your phone camera is broken, unable to focus, or persistently fails to recognize the QR code on your monitor.

When the QR code scan fails, Microsoft provides an alternative method to link your account by manually entering a provided secret code and URL into the Authenticator app.

Select manual setup on your computer

On the two-step verification setup page where the QR code is displayed, click the 'Can't scan image?' link located just below the QR code.

Retrieve the setup codes

A new window will appear displaying a 'Code' and a 'URL'. Keep this screen open.

Enter the codes in the app

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, tap the '+' icon to add an account, select 'Work or school account', and then tap 'Enter code manually'.

Complete verification

Type the Code and URL exactly as they appear on your computer screen into the app, then tap 'Finish' to complete the linkage.

Use Manual Setup for Microsoft Authenticator

Tip: If typing the long URL is difficult, try sending the URL and code to yourself via a secure messaging app so you can copy and paste them directly on your phone.

Solution 2

Escalate the Issue to Microsoft Q&A

If basic troubleshooting fails and you suspect a backend issue with the authentication service, seek assistance directly from Microsoft engineers and the community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Microsoft Authenticator app not scanning the QR code?

This usually happens if the app lacks camera permissions, your phone's camera lens is smudged, the computer screen brightness is too low, or glare on the monitor is preventing the camera from focusing on the barcode.

Can I set up Microsoft Authenticator without scanning the QR code?

Yes. On the setup screen, click 'Can't scan image?'. This will generate a manual text code and URL that you can type directly into the Microsoft Authenticator app by choosing 'Enter code manually'.

What information should I include when asking for help on Microsoft Q&A?

Always include the exact error message, your smartphone model, OS version, and the troubleshooting steps you've already tried. Attach screenshots to provide context, but make sure to hide any sensitive personal or corporate data.

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