Authenticator App - Circular Verification Issue

This is a common "bootstrap problem" with Microsoft Authenticator. Here are the quickest solutions:

Immediate Fixes:

1. Try alternative methods - Check if SMS, email, or backup codes are available at login
2. Use trusted device - Sign in from a computer where you're already logged in to access security settings

Admin Reset (Most Effective):
If you have IT support or another admin:

• Go to Microsoft Entra Admin Center → Users → [Your Account] → Authentication Methods
• Click "Require re-register multifactor authentication"
• This breaks the loop and lets you set up fresh

Self-Service Options:

• Try https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info on a trusted device
• Check if you can access Microsoft account recovery at https://account.live.com/acsr

Last Resort:
Contact Microsoft Support - mention you're in an "Authenticator circular verification loop." They can verify your identity through other means.

Prevention:
Once resolved, immediately set up backup methods (SMS, email) and enable cloud backup in Authenticator settings.

This issue happens because Authenticator became your only verification method without alternatives. The admin reset is usually the fastest solution.

Hope this helps! 

Key takeaway: Admin MFA reset is your best bet - it's designed exactly for this scenario where users are locked out of their primary authentication method.

Please try the following:

1. Use an Alternate MFA Method
If you previously set up other verification methods (e.g., SMS, email, backup codes), try signing in using those:

Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info

2. Ask Your IT Admin to Reset MFA

Contact your IT administrator or Microsoft 365 admin.
Ask them to reset your MFA settings in Azure Active Directory.
They can do this via Azure Portal → Users → Authentication Methods → Require re-register MFA.
3. Use Temporary Access Pass (TAP)
If your organization supports Temporary Access Pass, an admin can issue one-time credentials to bypass Authenticator setup.

4. Try Logging in via a Different Microsoft App
Sometimes logging in via Outlook mobile, Teams, or OneDrive can trigger alternate verification flows.

I also have been experiencing the same, super annoying but I think it has to do with timing, for example Im logging into my shift on organizations vpn, then hop over to my virtual station, if I move to fast I have to restart process.