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deleted authenticator app account

nigelbeatson
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Last Modified: 2020-03-19
I have managed delete the authenticator account for my office 365 admin account, which runs on my iPhone.

When I try to login I get asked for the verification PIN, obviously I don't have that. When I chose a different method, it offers to send a PIN to the authenticator, but the authenticator just tells me the account is no longer available and may have to be added!!

How do I get the authenticator account back for this admin account?

Any advice very much appreciated.
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Vasil Michev (MVP)
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Most Valuable Expert 2015
Distinguished Expert 2019

Commented:
You have to go over the configuration process again: https://aka.ms/proofup
If you cannot get to said page, ask your admin to reset your MFA methods.
nigelbeatsonMD

Author

Commented:
many thanks. i went through the link provided and was allowed to reset the password. however, once entered, it still persists in wanting to use the authenticator app!☹️

this is the admin account, and i administer it. cant believe having phone problems can screw up access to my 365 accounts. im hoping there is something i can do as im really stuck!

many thanks
CERTIFIED EXPERT
Most Valuable Expert 2015
Distinguished Expert 2019
Commented:
Usually, you should be given an option to select another method. But Microsoft released "security defaults" recently, which limits it to the authenticator app only. There's no way to bypass that in your scenario, so best contact support.
nigelbeatsonMD

Author

Commented:
many thanks. i have spoken with support at great length and am waiting for higher tier support to create a new admin account. to be honest, unless i am missing something, i dont think microsoft have thought this through. forcing dual stage authentication for all accounts, depends on the authenticator app working properly. without it, we are locked out of all the accounts added to authenticator!! a single point of failure cannot be good for any security, as the unthinkable is sure to happen, as it did in my case.