Why am I not receiving Microsoft Authenticator Push Notifications or Code Prompts?

Overview

If you are not receiving verification codes or approval (push) notifications from the Microsoft Authenticator app, it usually means the app is no longer correctly linked to your account. This can occur after a phone update, reinstalling the app, restoring from backup, or if notifications are turned off. In these cases, you may need to re-register the app or use a Temporary Access Pass (TAP) to regain access.

Troubleshooting Not Receiving MFA Verification Codes or Approval Notifications 

1. Your Microsoft Authenticator App May No Longer Be Linked to Your Account

This often happens if:

• You recently updated or reset your phone
• You deleted and reinstalled the Microsoft Authenticator app
• You restored your phone from a backup
  (Microsoft Authenticator may not restore MFA credentials from backups)
• Notifications for Authenticator are disabled

When this occurs, the app cannot generate codes or send approval prompts, and you must re-register it.

2. Use a Temporary Access Pass (TAP) to Regain Access

If you cannot approve MFA because the Microsoft Authenticator app is not working, you can use a Temporary Access Pass (TAP) to sign in and register your device.

How to Get a TAP:

1. Visit https://tap.iam.fau.edu
2. Click the Microsoft Entra MFA Recovery tile
3. Enter your FAU credentials, check the confirmation box, and click Continue
4. If you have recovery options set, you will receive a TAP code via email and/or SMS
5. Click Register Your Device
6. Enter the TAP code you received and select Sign In
7. Once signed in, you'll be taken to the Manage your MFA devices page
   • Select Add sign‑in method
   • Re‑add Microsoft Authenticator (recommended) or another supported method

3. Optional: If the App Is Installed but Not Working, Remove and Re‑Add Your FAU Account

If Microsoft Authenticator is installed on your phone but still fails to send notifications or generate codes, the account may be incorrectly configured.

1. Remove your FAU Account from Microsoft Authenticator:

   1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app

   2. Locate the Work or School Account tied to your @fau.edu account

   3. Go to Settings

   4. Tap Remove Account

   5. Confirm by selecting OK when prompted

   6. Check for misconfigured Profiles

      • If the Authenticator app displays an account labeled “Fau” instead of “Florida Atlantic University”, it means the account was not added correctly and must be removed before re‑adding.

2. Re-enroll your FAU Account in Microsoft Authenticator:

   1. Once the previous account is removed:
   2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app
   3. Confirm incorrect profiles are gone
   4. Re‑enroll your account using TAP instructions in this article above or use other available setup Microsoft Authenticator options listed here

Need More Help?

If you didn’t receive a TAP (because recovery options aren’t set) or you need further assistance, please contact the OIT Help Desk:

• Phone: 561‑297‑3999

• Submit a ticket: https://helpdesk.fau.edu