Microsoft Authenticator is one of the most widely used apps for multi-factor authentication (2FA), helping secure access to Microsoft services and many third-party accounts. However, when moving to a new phone or reinstalling the app, you might sometimes find that verification codes no longer appear. So if that has happened to you, follow along as we guide you through the steps to solve this problem.
Takeaways:
- How do you fix the Microsoft Authenticator App not showing codes?
- Why won't the Microsoft 2FA app show codes?
- Learn how to fix the Microsoft Authenticator app not showing codes.
Table of Contents
Why Microsoft Authenticator Codes May Not Show
Backup not restored: When setting up a new device, the app prompts you to restore your saved accounts from the cloud. If this step is skipped, or if accounts were already present in the app, the codes will not transfer.
Platform mismatch: A backup made on iOS cannot be restored on Android, and vice versa. If you switch platforms, you must re-register accounts manually
Cloud sync incomplete: Even if cloud backup is shown as enabled, the sync might not have completed successfully.
System conflicts: Incorrect time settings, disabled notifications, outdated app versions, or restrictive network conditions.
No backup or missing device: If your old device is lost or erased without backup, you must reset multifactor authentication from the Microsoft Security Info portal or by contacting your administrator.
How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator App Codes Not Showing Issue
The most common reasons Microsoft Authenticator has issues with codes not appearing are because of incomplete backup restoration, using a backup created on one platform and trying to restore it on another, cloud sync that looks enabled but has not actually finished, and device or app settings that interfere with the time based one time password system. In some cases, the issue is simply that the Authenticator backup was never set up on the old device, or the original phone is no longer available, which requires resetting your sign-in method from scratch.
Enable Cloud Backup on the Old Device
- On your old phone, open Microsoft Authenticator.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down to the Backup section and enable cloud backup with your Microsoft account.
Restore the Backup on the New Device
- Download Microsoft Authenticator from the official app store.
- Open the app and choose Restore from backup, then tap Begin recovery.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account that was used to create the backup.
- Refresh the app to confirm that verification codes appear.
Re-add Authenticator if Backup Fails
If the backup is missing or incomplete, you need to re-register Authenticator as a sign-in method.
- Go to a browser and sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Navigate to Security in the left sidebar.
- Select Manage how I sign in.
- Find Microsoft Authenticator listed under sign-in methods and remove it. Confirm deletion.
- Choose Add a new way to sign in.
- Select Use an app and follow the prompts until a QR code appears.
- Open Microsoft Authenticator on your new device, select Add account, and scan the QR code.
Once scanned, the account will be restored, and codes will begin showing again.
