MFA & Verification Issues

How to Update the Phone Number on a Power BI Account Blocked by MFA

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to change the registered phone number on their Power BI account but is blocked by multi-factor authentication (MFA) linked to a former employee's phone.

How to Update the Phone Number on a Power BI Account (MFA Verification Issue)

Product: Power BI / Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to update account security settings when the previous authentication device is no longer accessible.
Observed behavior: The system prevents the phone number update because it requires an MFA verification code sent to the old, inaccessible phone number.

Before you start

Identify who manages your company's Microsoft 365 or IT infrastructure, as only an administrator can override or reset your current MFA settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Request an MFA Reset from Your IT Administrator

Because you cannot pass the current MFA challenge to verify your identity, an administrator must clear your old authentication settings so you can register a new phone number.

Microsoft 365 and Power BI enforce strict security protocols. When a phone number is lost or belongs to a former employee, users cannot bypass the verification step themselves. The only secure resolution is an administrative override.

Identify your Microsoft 365 Administrator

Reach out to your company's IT helpdesk, technical support team, or the person who originally provided your Power BI account credentials.

Request an MFA reset for your account

Ask the administrator to reset your multifactor authentication methods. They will need to log into the Microsoft Entra admin center and select the option to 'Require re-register MFA' for your specific user account.

Sign in to register your new phone

Once the administrator confirms the reset, navigate to the Power BI login page and sign in with your email and password. The system will prompt you that 'More information is required'.

Configure the new authentication method

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your current phone number. Enter the number, receive the new SMS code, and complete the setup to restore full access to your account.

Request an MFA Reset from Your IT Administrator

For Administrators: Administrators can perform this action by navigating to Microsoft Entra ID > Users > All users > Select the user > Authentication methods > Require re-register MFA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out who my Microsoft 365 admin is?

Your admin is typically your IT department, IT help desk, or the person who manages your company's email and software accounts. If you work in a small business, it might be the business owner or an external IT contractor.

Can I bypass the MFA prompt if I know the account password?

No. Multi-factor authentication is a strict security layer. Even with the correct password, you cannot bypass the phone verification step without an administrator resetting the requirement.

Will resetting my MFA affect my Power BI reports?

No. Resetting your MFA authentication methods only updates how you verify your login identity. It does not delete, alter, or restrict access to any of your Power BI workspaces, dashboards, or reports.

Login & Account Issues