Update Microsoft 365 Security Info Without Authenticator Access
Question details
The user needs to update their Microsoft 365 security information to regain access after uninstalling or losing access to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Entra ID
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin portal or services without the previously configured Authenticator app.
- Observed behavior
- The system continues to prompt for the old authentication method, blocking access to sign in or update security info.
Ensure you have access to a backup authentication method (such as SMS or alternate email) or have another Global Administrator available who can assist with updating your tenant's security settings.
Remove the Old Device via the Security Info Page
Use an alternative authentication method to sign in and manually delete the lost Authenticator device from your account.
If you previously set up a secondary MFA method, you can use it to bypass the Authenticator prompt and access your security settings directly.
Go to the Microsoft 365 My Sign-Ins portal. When prompted for the Authenticator app, select 'Sign in another way' and choose your backup method (like a text message or phone call).
Once signed in, click on the 'Security info' tab on the left-hand navigation menu.
Locate your old Microsoft Authenticator device in the list of sign-in methods and click 'Delete' next to it.
Click 'Add sign-in method' to register your new device or Authenticator app to your account.
Ask Another Global Administrator to Modify Security Defaults
If you cannot sign in at all, another administrator must temporarily disable security defaults in the Microsoft Entra admin center.
Contact Microsoft Support for Account Recovery
Use this option if you are the only administrator on the tenant and are completely locked out.
Experience Seamless Productivity with WPS Office
While managing administrative access and MFA issues in Microsoft 365 can be complex, choosing your office suite shouldn't be. WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to work on your documents locally without worrying about sudden cloud account lockouts.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick setup wizard to install WPS Office.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents to start editing immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft 365 still asking for my old Authenticator app?
Microsoft 365 requires your old Authenticator app because it is still registered as your primary multi-factor authentication (MFA) method. You must delete the old device from your Security Info page before the system stops prompting for it.
Can I recover my Microsoft Authenticator accounts without a backup?
No, if you did not enable cloud backup for Microsoft Authenticator before losing access, you cannot restore the accounts. You must re-register the app using an alternative MFA method or get an administrator to reset your MFA status.
What if I am the only Global Administrator and I am locked out?
If you are the sole Global Admin and cannot access your account due to an MFA lockout, you must contact Microsoft Support by phone. Request assistance from the Data Protection Team to verify your identity and regain access.
How do I bypass MFA temporarily in Microsoft 365?
MFA can be temporarily bypassed if another Global Administrator accesses the Microsoft Entra admin center and sets 'Enable security defaults' to 'No', or if they explicitly exempt your account from Conditional Access policies that require MFA.
