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Unable to get back in to my outlook.com account after transferring my phone - Authenticator app is useless

CN 0 Reputation points
2025-08-13T07:18:13.8833333+00:00

Hello,

At this point im really frustrated, like I think MS can go F itself im that mad.

A long time ago I changed my account to passwordless to make it secure.

Ive had no problem up until i've come to get a new iPhone.

I did a backup/restore to my phone and factory reset the old phone.

Now I am unable to get back in to my outlook account because the MS Authenticator app wont sign in without me using the authenticator app to sign in...

I've tried account recovery.. I get as far as using my alternate email to get a code.. no problem.

Then It wants me to use my phone to send me a code to SMS and im constantly faced with "try another verification method".

I cannot use the password recovery form because I have "2 methods of authentication selected on your account".

I cannot recover another way because "you need to have a password on your account to do this".

Absolute joke.

I call Microsoft support to be told "this can only be done via the web" and then I start the circle again.

What the f am I supposed to do? I am beyond angry.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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  1. Time Lady 37,140 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-13T10:24:02.99+00:00

    Hello, I’m Virginia a fellow Windows user.

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing problems.

    Your only option is the use one of the backup codes shown during 2fa set up which should’ve been saved.

    Otherwise there should be an option to choose ‘I don’t have any recovery options’ or similar wording & this should offer to send a code to an alternative email or phone number.

    When you set up the app did you choose recover accounts or set up as new?

    This is why I have the app on 2 devices so if I need to recover the app I still can authenticate on another device.

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