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Unable to Access Shared Files Due to Microsoft Authenticator Loop

Anonymous
2025-06-23T19:53:49+00:00

I’m having trouble accessing files shared with me by external clients through Microsoft. When I try to open the shared content in my browser, I’m prompted to enter a code from the Microsoft Authenticator app on my smartphone. However, no code appears in the app.

To resolve the issue, I attempted to remove these external organizations from my Microsoft security settings, hoping it might reset the connection if I asked them to share the files again. Unfortunately, this process also requires a code from the Authenticator app, which I’m unable to provide—leaving me stuck in a loop.

Any advice on how to break this cycle or reset the Authenticator connection so I can regain access?

Microsoft 365 and Office | SharePoint | For business | iOS

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-23T20:14:49+00:00

    Dear Whitney,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. I understand how annoying it can be to get stuck in a loop with Microsoft Authenticator, especially when trying to access shared files from external clients.

    To help you more effectively, could you please confirm whether you're using a personal Microsoft account (e.g., Outlook.com, Hotmail.com) or a business/work account (e.g., part of Microsoft 365 for your organization)?  

    If your account is a business/work account, I would recommend you contact your work account's Admin to reset your MFA settings through the Microsoft Entra Admin Center. Ask your administrator to follow these steps:   
    Revoke MFA sessions and require re-register in the Microsoft Entra admin center  

      

    I hope my information helps! Please don't hesitate to reach out again for further assistance.

    As other users will also search information in this community, your valuable vote will definitely also help other users who have similar queries easily to find the correct channel and useful information more quickly.

    Greatly Appreciate again for your patience and understanding. 

    Best Regards,

    Killian-N - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-25T20:19:35+00:00

    Hi Whitney, 

    It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue. Have you had a chance to check the replies provided? Any update would be appreciated.

    Best Regards,

    Killian-N - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

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