If you need to use the Microsoft Authenticator app on Android or IOS to get access to your Microsoft accounts via 2FA, but can't because it's not actually receiving codes or notifications in the app. This guide will guide you through the common reasons why the Microsoft Authenticator app may fail to deliver codes and provide a few simple, easy-to-follow steps you can take to fix this issue. Thankfully, they are all nice and easy steps.

Takeaways:

  1. Learn how to fix the Microsoft Authenticator app not getting codes.
  2. Why isn't the Microsoft Authenticator app sending or receiving notifications when requested?

Why Is Microsoft Authenticator Not Receiving Codes?

  • Poor or unstable internet connection on your mobile device, which blocks push notifications.
  • Incorrect time and date settings on your device, leading to mismatched time-sensitive codes.
  • Disabled notifications for the app within your phone’s system settings (The main reason)
  • Sync errors or corrupted data within the Authenticator app linked to your Microsoft account.
  • Battery optimisation or power-saving settings restricting the app’s background activity.

How to Fix the Issue of Not Receiving Codes on Microsoft Authenticator

If you are not receiving approval notifications, there is a good chance it is because you have blocked notifications from the app. Either by accident or on purpose. If you have done this, simply enable them again, and the Microsoft Authenticator app should be working once again.

  • Check your phone’s notification settings to ensure that notifications are enabled for the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  • On Android devices, verify that battery optimisation or power-saving settings are not limiting the app’s background activity.
  • On iPhones, check the Focus or Do Not Disturb modes to confirm they are not blocking notifications.

Check Your Phone’s Internet Connection

This is pretty straightforward. Just make sure you actually have an Internet connection.

  • Toggle Airplane mode on and then off. This action forces your phone to reconnect to the network.
  • Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to determine if one connection works better than the other.
  • Test your internet connection speed using a free online tool to ensure it is active and stable.
  • Restart your router or modem if you suspect network problems.

Check Your Device’s Time Settings (Use Automatic)

The Microsoft Authenticator app uses a time-based one-time password (TOTP) algorithm to generate verification codes. If your phone’s clock is incorrect or out of sync with Microsoft’s servers, the generated codes will not match and will be rejected.

  • On Android devices, navigate to Settings, then System or General Management, followed by Date and Time. Make sure “Automatic date and time” or “Use network-provided time” is enabled.
  • On iPhones, go to Settings, then General, then Date & Time, and enable “Set Automatically.”
  • After adjusting the time settings, force close the Microsoft Authenticator app and reopen it to trigger a fresh synchronisation with Microsoft’s servers.

Remove and Re-Add Your Microsoft Account in the Authenticator App

  • Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  • Tap your Microsoft account to open account details.
  • Access settings by tapping the gear or cog icon.
  • Select “Remove account” to delete the current configuration.
  • Add the account again by signing in with your Microsoft credentials.

Use a Backup Verification Method

  • On the sign-in screen, select “Use a different verification method” or “I can’t use my authenticator app right now.”
  • Choose to receive a code via SMS or email.
  • Once you regain access, you can continue troubleshooting or reset the Authenticator app.