Microsoft authenticator not sending code to an iPhone

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-06T21:31:21.674Z

I have a friend that I’m trying to help. He has a windows computer with outlook. He has the password, but it’s requiring two factor authentication, and the Microsoft authenticator is not sending a code to his iphone.
Authenticator does open up and it gives us an 8 digit code, but the so I think the app is only allowing 6 digits.
On occasion, it does display the 2 digit code that you’re supposed to match on the phone. But ninety percent of the time, it doesn’t come through, and when it does come through, the app still doesn’t open up.
Any help is appreciated

Rod-IT · 2025-07-06T23:06:15.514Z

I expect it’s not registered for push.

My Sign-Ins have them login here, choose i can’t use authenticator right now and it will either ask for the 6 digits or send an SMS.

Then setup push.

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-06T23:50:55.214Z

I can test tomorrow. Thanks

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-07T22:53:27.018Z

I did get the 2 digit code on the computer, but it never shows up on his phone and note the computer is windows, the phone is apple. I don’t know if that makes a difference.
I’ve removed the authenticator on the phone. I’ve reinstalled it. I’ve removed his account and added it back in. I also checked the authenticator app on the phone. made sure that it was allowing to receive messages.
We went to his wife’s computer just to check and it didn’t work there either, but then one time, and I’m not really sure how I did it, but it went to outlook. office 365. com/mail and it opened up without even his password. So I took that information back to his computer and tried it, and it worked, then we logged off his computer so he could try it and it didn’t work. I sat down at the desk and I tried it and it did work. And I closed, the browser again using Edge didn’t work, tried it again, didn’t work? It kept asking for authentication. Then the third time it opened. I did this probably 15 times sometimes it would open without the password. All of his mail is there. Most of the time it asked for the authentication and we did get into his Microsoft account and checked all the settings and it shows that 2 factor authentication is turned. I’m not sure if that’s for his Microsoft account or if that’s for the outlook.

I appreciate the help.

general-tsao · 2025-07-08T13:17:59.729Z

So, you’re not the admin for his account? Sounds like he needs to contact the admin and have the MFA reset. This is something that only the account admin can do, uninstalling and reinstalling on the phone isn’t going to fix this issue.

Rod-IT · 2025-07-08T17:43:45.663Z

jrsitman6:

the computer is windows, the phone is apple. I don’t know if that makes a difference.

It doesn’t, but did you add the iPhone for push notifications on the link I shared with you?

If the numbers don’t come up, choose I can’t use authenticator, it should then give you an option to text or call. Once in to the settings, add the iPhone for push notification.

I expect this is a private account, not a business one.

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-08T17:47:23.327Z

I did not see push option. I’ll check today.

Rod-IT · 2025-07-08T17:50:49.404Z

Please remove your email address.

It may not be directly called push, but it’s the one that isn’t SMS or call, it may just be called Microsoft auhenticator.

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-08T18:15:35.801Z

Ok. Ill get back to you

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-08T19:41:02.520Z

How do I verify two factor authentication on his outlook?

Rod-IT · 2025-07-08T20:44:37.367Z

Please explain what you mean by this.

If you are asking how do you know it’s enabled, see my post.

Microsoft authenticator not sending code to an iPhone Software

I expect it’s not registered for push. My Sign-Ins have them login here, choose i can’t use authenticator right now and it will either ask for the 6 digits or send an SMS. Then setup push.

spiceuser-d1hme · 2025-07-08T21:29:47.866Z

Hi Jrsitman6,

Assuming this is a personal account. I was able to replicate your issue today. My phone is Android however this shouldn’t be a factor as the app is from Microsoft. What I did to resolve the issue was remove the app from my account and re-add it using this link: Additional security options

For obvious reasons you will need to mention I can’t use this verification method right now to get it removed. Used the QR option to add it back on to my mobile device. Hope this helps

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-08T23:51:08.327Z

I have been to this application, but I have not seen the QR code before I just saw it this time. I’m not sure when I can get over to his house. But I will let you know. Thanks for helping.

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-09T19:43:17.430Z

This didn’t work either. We get a 2 digit code on the phone. But yeah, authenticator doesn’t open up. And let us enter it.
He is willing to pay to have this fixed. Can you recommend a reputable company that will guarantee to fix it or he doesn’t have to pay?

Rod-IT · 2025-07-09T20:08:41.525Z

jrsitman6:

We get a 2 digit code on the phone

So what isn’t working?

You usually get 2 digits on the screen, then an authenticator prompt to confirm this.

jrsitman6:

He is willing to pay to have this fixed. Can you recommend a reputable company that will guarantee to fix it or he doesn’t have to pay?

Have you confirmed with the link I’ve shared that they have their phone setup for push notifications?

Is there no local IT shop he can take this to, if it’s outside your wheelhouse?

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-09T20:33:13.869Z

On the computer, we get the screen that comes up that says enter a code. We never get any code on his phone. when we choose to try a different option. We click on the one that gives us a two digit code, but the code never shows up on his phone for him to verify. That’s been the issue the whole time.
We have geek squad here, but I have not contacted them

Rod-IT · 2025-07-09T20:59:28.605Z

jrsitman6:

On the computer, we get the screen that comes up that says enter a code. We never get any code on his phone. when we choose to try a different option. We click on the one that gives us a two digit code

This isn’t going to help, from the first line we know the code doesn’t work, so why select it again.

There should be an option to send an SMS/TXT or call the number listed. Selecting to resend the code isn’t going to help if the phone they have isn’t registered for push notifications.

Please share a screen of what you see when you choose, I can’t use authenticator right now.

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-10T16:45:13.973Z

He is going to pay Microsoft for support. I really appreciate you trying to help.

Thanks

Rod-IT · 2025-07-10T16:47:53.202Z

For what will likely be 5 minutes work, ouch!

jrsitman6 · 2025-07-10T17:06:21.885Z

Agreed. I’ve got 25 years Windows experience and even with your help I could not solve it.