Help setting up account

Kristen Guillory 0 Reputation points
2026-08-19T18:23:03.7533333+00:00

I am trying to set up an account on Authenticator but it is not sending me the code to verify the account. Any help would be appreciated!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | Other | Windows
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  1. Kai-H 25,090 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-20T08:27:14.4133333+00:00

    Hi, Kristen Guillory

    The “code” may not actually be sent by text or email. Depending on the account type, it may appear inside Authenticator as a rotating six-digit code, or arrive as an approval notification.

    Besides the solutions provided by the Q&A Assist, here are some suggestions you can try:

    Open Authenticator and check whether the account is already listed. If it is, select it and enter the six-digit code shown there. These codes refresh every 30 seconds and do not require phone service or Internet access.

    Update Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play, then set the phone’s date and time to Automatic. Outdated app versions or an incorrect phone clock can prevent verification.

    Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, temporarily disconnect any VPN, and turn off battery optimization for Authenticator. Also confirm that notifications are allowed.

    Restart the setup from a computer and scan the newly displayed QR code. If scanning fails, choose Can’t scan the image and enter the setup code manually.

    If Authenticator was previously used on another phone, check that device. The approval request may still be going there.

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-19T18:23:18.9366667+00:00

    If the verification code is not arriving while setting up Microsoft Authenticator, use these checks first:

    1. Check the delivery method being used.
      • If the code is being sent by email, check the junk or spam folder.
      • Valid verification emails come from @accountprotection.microsoft.com.
      • Mark that sender as trusted if needed.
    2. If the code is being sent by text message:
      • Make sure the phone is not blocking texts from unknown numbers.
      • If prompted, choose I don't have a code to request another one.
      • Check whether the message inbox is full or the messaging app is malfunctioning.
    3. Verify the contact method is correct.
      • Make sure the phone number or email address on the account is correct.
      • For a Microsoft account, go to the Security basics page and select Update info: Sign in
      • For a work or school account, go to the Security info page and select Update info: Sign in
    4. Do not keep requesting codes repeatedly.
      • Excessive or repetitive requests can trigger a temporary block and stop codes from being sent.
      • Temporary delays can also happen because of unusual activity detection or heavy compromised traffic from a region.
    5. Check the phone number type.
      • VOIP numbers cannot be used to sign in or receive verification codes. Use a mobile phone number instead.
    6. If the mobile device is unavailable:
      • On the sign-in screen, choose Sign in another way and use an alternative verification method if one was already added.
      • If no alternative method was set up for a work or school account, contact the organization’s IT help desk.
    7. If access to the listed phone or email is no longer available:
      • Select I don't have any of these during sign-in and follow the prompts to replace or update security info.

    If the issue is with a personal Microsoft account and codes still do not arrive, another verification method may be required, or access to the listed phone or email may need to be restored. Microsoft support agents cannot send verification codes or change account details.

    References:

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

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