The Microsoft Authenticator app is Microsoft’s two-factor authentication app developer. The purpose of the app is to generate temporary codes that users will copy and enter in the specific required field for account access. The code is also changed now and then so you need to act right away and proceed to copy and paste it.
Unfortunately, some users have reported having issues with the app every time they try to confirm login. If your Microsoft Authenticator app doesn’t work on your new phone, here are some things you can do to fix it.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Microsoft Authenticator App Won’t Work when Transferred to New iPhone or Android Phone
Turn On Automatic Time and Date
Just so you don’t know, the Microsoft Authenticator app uses the current time and date of your device as well as a locally stored secret key for code generation. If the clock on your device is not in sync, you can’t expect the app to work. To solve the issue, make sure you allow the automatic time and date of your phone.
Enable Permission for Notifications
The Microsoft Authenticator app, just like other apps, needs permission for displaying notifications on your device. If you declined the permission in the past, Microsoft Authenticator will not show up login approval requests on your device.
For iPhone:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Look for and click Authenticator.
- Click Notifications and switch on the toggle beside Allow Notifications.
For Android:
- Long-press on the icon for the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Click the “i” info icon from the pop-up menu.
- Select Notifications.
- In the next menu, switch on the toggle beside Allow Notifications.
Force Close Microsoft Authenticator and Open It Again
Force-closing and reopening an app is sometimes all it takes to fix most minor problems on your device. Doing so will turn off all features of the app and reload it to resolve any issues they might be encountering. This is also applicable in the case of Microsoft Authenticator, whether you’re on Android or iOS.
Take note that apps can only be force-closed on Androids. If you’re an iPhone user, you need to close the app and open it again the usual way.
Restart Your Device
Your new phone might be suffering from a minor glitch that prevents the Microsoft Authenticator app from regenerating codes. If this is the case, you can try to fix the system issues with your phone by simply rebooting it first.
A restart will turn off your phone and reload all the features of your phone, addressing most minor concerns. But before you proceed, see to it that you save any unsaved work before you turn off your device.
The Microsoft Authenticator app is a very nifty and handy tool that you can use for generating codes. Sadly, the app is not without flaws, and some users are claiming that it doesn’t work on their new phones. If you’re having the same issue with the app, the good news is that there are a few simple and easy steps you can take to address the problem so you can continue with its use right away.
