How can I show Microsoft Authenticator app code

محمد الصبري 0 Reputation points
2026-09-08T16:45:07.2366667+00:00

I have a problem with Excel. When I try to sign in to my university account, Excel asks me to enter a code from the Microsoft Authenticator app. The problem is that there is no code showing in the app, even though my university account is already registered in Microsoft Authenticator.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For education | Other
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  1. Roebe Ta 865 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-08T17:21:39.14+00:00

    Hello @محمد الصبري,

    Based on your description, it sounds like your university account is already listed in Microsoft Authenticator, but the app is not displaying a verification code when Excel asks for one.

    To better understand the situation:

    • When you open Microsoft Authenticator and tap your university account, do you see a 6-digit code, or does it only show options such as "Approve sign-in request"?
    • Are you signing in to a work/school account provided by your university, or is it a personal Microsoft account?
    • Did this account previously show a code in Authenticator, or has it never displayed one?

    In the meantime, you may want to review the AI-generated response and try any of the suggested troubleshooting steps that apply to your situation.

    If the issue persists, please reach out to your IT administrator/Microsoft 365 administrator and ask them to reset your MFA settings using the Microsoft Entra Admin Center.

    If you haven’t yet reached out, here’s a helpful guide to locate your Microsoft 365 administrator: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support  

     Ask your administrator to follow these steps:    

    • Go to Microsoft Entra Admin Center: https://entra.microsoft.com  
    • Navigate to Entra ID > Users > All Users.  
    • Select your user account.  
    • Go to Authentication Methods.  
    • Click "Require re-register multifactor authentication".  

    This will reset your MFA settings. The next time you sign in, you’ll be prompted to set up the Authenticator app again using a QR code.  

    Please let me know if there are any updates regarding this issue or if you need any further assistance. I'll be happy to help further where possible.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-08T16:45:25.8533333+00:00

    If the account is already in Microsoft Authenticator but no code appears, try these checks in order:

    1. Open Microsoft Authenticator and tap the university account.
      • Look for a line such as One-time password code.
      • If Excel is asking for an approval request instead of a code, the app may require opening the account or responding to a sign-in prompt rather than showing a 6-digit code automatically.
    2. If Excel shows a number-matching prompt, use the notification flow:
      • On the sign-in screen, select Send notification.
      • If needed, select Other ways to sign in > Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app.
      • Open Authenticator or tap the New sign-in request notification.
      • If the app is locked, unlock it.
      • Enter or tap the matching number, then approve.
    3. Refresh the app manually.
      • Open Authenticator and pull down to refresh. For anomalous or unfamiliar sign-ins, the notification might not arrive automatically and refreshing can surface the request.
    4. Check common causes when authentication does not complete:
      • Make sure the app is unlocked.
      • Make sure notifications are enabled and not silent.
      • Update Microsoft Authenticator to the latest version.
      • Verify the phone has a working internet connection. Switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data can help.
      • Make sure the device date and time are correct.
    5. If Authenticator shows an error such as "Something went wrong. [4s8qz]":
      • Wait a few moments and try again.
      • Confirm the app opens normally and the account is listed.
      • Update the app.
      • Restart the device.
    6. If the account was added but still cannot show a code or complete sign-in:
      • For a work or school account, admin policies can block registration or phone sign-in. If messages mention a restricted location or Conditional Access, the university administrator must enable the feature or reset the authentication method.
      • If no other sign-in methods are available, the university IT admin/helpdesk is the path to reconfigure or reset MFA for the account.

    References:

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

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