MFA keeps failing in Teams
The second factor errors every time even though the authenticator app shows green. Here is how to find the real problem.
Last verified:
Affected systems
windows macos ios android web
Quick fixes
- Check push permission for the authenticator app on the phone
- Pick another MFA method (SMS, call, security key)
- Lost phone: ask IT to reset MFA
Common causes
- Authenticator push not delivered (silent phone, data saver)
- Wrong time on phone or PC (TOTP depends on the clock)
- MFA method was registered on an old phone
- Tenant requires a specific method (e.g. only Authenticator, no SMS)
Check push notifications
On the phone:
- iOS: Settings, Notifications, Microsoft Authenticator → ‘Allow Notifications’ on
- Android: Settings, Apps, Authenticator → notifications enabled and battery optimization off
Without push, nothing appears on the lock screen and you miss the prompt.
Pick another method
The MFA prompt usually has a link ‘Use another method’. Pick:
- Enter a TOTP code from the authenticator app instead of push
- SMS to your phone
- Phone call
- Security key (FIDO2 / YubiKey)
If an alternative works, the default method is broken - re-register at https://mysignins.microsoft.com.
Move authenticator to a new phone
Phone change:
- On the old phone, open the account in the authenticator app.
- Enable backup (if not already) - stores in your MSA.
- Install the app on the new phone, sign in with the same MSA - the accounts come back automatically.
Without backup, you must re-register the account on the new phone. To do that you need access to https://mysignins.microsoft.com via an alternative method.
Lost phone without backup
You need IT. They can reset MFA on your account, then you set up a new method on next sign-in.