Microsoft Authenticator Stuck in Loop

Hanpeter, Alysse (A.A.) 0 Reputation points
2026-08-25T12:50:43.26+00:00

I was kicked out of microsoft teams and when I try to log back in it takes me to the Microsoft authenticator app. In the authenticator app I try to sign in and cannot get past the point of getting a QR code, PIN, passkey. Please advise.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-25T12:51:02.0433333+00:00

    This is usually an MFA sign-in loop between Teams and Microsoft Authenticator. For a work or school account, the fastest path is:

    1. On the sign-in screen, check whether Sign in another way is available.
      • If another method such as SMS, phone, or email was previously configured, use that to complete sign-in.
      • If only Authenticator is available, the account is likely configured to require it.
    2. In Microsoft Authenticator, verify the app itself is usable.
      • Open the app and confirm it launches without errors and the account is listed.
      • Make sure notifications are enabled.
      • Make sure the app is unlocked.
      • Update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version.
      • Check network connectivity by switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
      • Make sure the device Date & time are correct.
      • Restart the device.
    3. If the app is asking for QR code, PIN, or passkey and the sign-in loop continues, contact the organization’s IT admin or helpdesk and ask them to reset MFA settings or allow re-registration of Microsoft Authenticator.
      • This is the standard resolution when the account is stuck in a loop and no alternate verification method is available.
      • After the reset, sign in again and set up Authenticator from the beginning by scanning the QR code.
    4. Before contacting support, send logs from the app if possible.
      • In Authenticator, open the top-level menu and select Send feedback.

    If this is a personal Microsoft account instead of a work or school account, use Microsoft Support after sending feedback logs.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Michelle Nguyen 1,180 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-25T13:00:05.7966667+00:00

    Hi @Hanpeter, Alysse (A.A.)

    Based on the information you provided, I understand that you were unexpectedly signed out of Microsoft Teams. When you try to sign back in, you are redirected to the Microsoft Authenticator app, but you cannot complete the authentication process because you are unable to proceed past the QR code, PIN, or passkey options.

    Since 2FA security policies for institutional accounts are managed centrally, you will need to contact your work's IT administrator or help desk. They will be able to reset your 2FA settings from the backend so you can register your new device without any issues.

    You can suggest that they check this article for steps on resetting MFA: Manage user authentication methods for Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication

    However, please refer the following article to find your IT Admin: Find the administrator for your work or school account

    If you are a sole admin, please follow this link to create a trial tenant: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/microsoft-365-business-basic?msockid=3eb6980b5c6860e63a588d0c5d1761d6 - after that you will be able to access to Microsoft 365 Admin Center to raise the ticket

    Assuming that you have already created an account after registering a free trial and you can go to Microsoft 365 admin center and click "Help & support" icon to raise your ticket. The agent will be able to create a ticket for you under the affected tenant and then transfer this ticket to Data Protection team who could help you to regain access.     User's image

    User's image

    Please mention that you are raising ticket on behalf of the affected tenant that you do not have access to. The support team will help you to create ticket on the affected tenant then later on the Microsoft Data Protection team will assist you.

    Note: This process will take more time than usual (7-14 working days) for your account to get access again as Data Protection is always overwhelmed with the number of tickets. As I am a user, I do not have access to Microsoft internal system to assist or push this process to be quicker.

    On the other hand, if you do create the trial and it resolves the issue, please remember to cancel the subscription afterward to avoid any related charges. Thank you.

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