If you use Microsoft Authenticator for logging into your accounts, nothing is more frustrating than it not working. Maybe it’s not syncing codes. Maybe it won’t even open. Either way, it’s a serious roadblock—especially if you’re locked out of something important.
Don’t panic! We’ve got your back. Below are 7 proven fixes that can get Microsoft Authenticator running like new again. These are easy, tested steps that work for many users. Let’s jump right in!
1. Restart Your Phone
Yes, the classic fix. But it actually works!
Your phone may be having a small glitch that’s stopping the app from syncing. A reboot resets many temporary bugs and helps the app kick back into action.
- Hold your power button
- Tap Restart or Reboot
- Open Microsoft Authenticator after the reboot
Still stuck? Keep reading.
2. Update Microsoft Authenticator
Using an outdated version of the app? That could be the problem.
New updates fix bugs, improve syncing, and support new Android or iOS versions.
- Go to the App Store or Google Play Store
- Search for Microsoft Authenticator
- Tap Update if available
After updating, launch the app and check if it works fine.
3. Clear App Cache and Data (Android Only)
If you’re on Android, clearing the app’s cache can work wonders. Cached data sometimes gets corrupted and stops apps from working right.
Here’s how you do it:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Apps or Apps & notifications
- Find Microsoft Authenticator
- Tap Storage
- Tap Clear Cache and then Clear Data
Note: Make sure you’ve backed up your Authenticator account or recovery info before clearing data!
4. Check Date and Time Settings
This is a sneaky one! Microsoft Authenticator needs your phone’s clock to match real-world time exactly to work properly.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Open Settings on your phone
- Find Date & Time
- Turn on Set automatically or Use network-provided time
Restart the app and check if syncing now works. If your clock is even a few seconds off, the codes can stop syncing.
5. Recheck Your Internet Connection
Authenticator doesn’t always need the web to show codes—but it does need the Internet to sync and back up your account.
Make sure you’re connected:
- Try switching between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
- Restart your router if you’re on Wi-Fi
- Open a browser and try visiting a site
If nothing loads, then your Internet connection is likely the issue. Fix that first!
6. Turn On App Permissions
Every app needs certain permissions to run smoothly. If Microsoft Authenticator doesn’t have the access it needs, it might misbehave.
To check the permissions:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Apps or Apps Management
- Find Microsoft Authenticator
- Tap Permissions
- Allow necessary ones like Camera (for scanning QR codes) and Storage
Bonus tip: If you use cloud backup, make sure access to your Microsoft account is active.
7. Backup and Reinstall the App
If nothing else works, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. But wait—don’t just delete it!
First, back up your accounts within the app:
- Open Microsoft Authenticator
- Go to Settings (⚙️ icon)
- Enable Cloud Backup (usually via Microsoft account or iCloud)
Then, uninstall the app like you normally would. After that:
- Reinstall from the Play Store or App Store
- Sign in to your Microsoft or iCloud account
- Restore your backup
This gives you a fresh start without losing your 2FA codes.
Extra Tip: Contact Support
If none of these worked, it might be a deeper issue. Maybe something’s wrong with your Microsoft account itself.
In that case, try:
- Going to Microsoft Support
- Using their chat or ticket system
You can also visit forums like Reddit or Microsoft Community where lots of people share real solutions.
Bonus: When Should You NOT Use Microsoft Authenticator?
This app is super handy, but it’s not perfect for every situation.
You might want to switch to another 2FA app (like Authy or Google Authenticator) if:
- You regularly switch phones and don’t want the hassle of backups
- You prefer cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
- You want a built-in desktop version (Microsoft does not offer this)
Wrapping It Up
There you go. Now you know what to do if your Microsoft Authenticator isn’t syncing or won’t open. Whether your issue is a glitch, bad settings, or just an old version of the app—these steps work.
Let’s quickly recap the 7 proven fixes:
- Restart your phone
- Update the app
- Clear cache/data (Android)
- Fix date & time settings
- Check internet connection
- Enable app permissions
- Backup, uninstall, reinstall
Still stuck? Microsoft’s support channels are quite helpful. And always make sure your important accounts have backup 2FA options like SMS or email, just in case.
We hope this guide made things easier for you. Now go on—fix that app and get back into your accounts!
