How to get out from a MS Authenticator loop when adding account

Rogerio Hawilla 11 Reputation points
2021-09-10T22:27:34.697+00:00

I am using Office 365 web based (on Chrome) to access my work email.
Yesterday afternoon, when trying to login, after the user/password screens, a popup asked me to approve my sign in via the MS Authenticator app.
I did not have this Authenticator app installed on my mobile, which I promptly installed.
I added my Hotmail account without any issues. There was an option there to receive the code thru an email.

However, when trying to add my work account on MS Authenticator app, these are the steps I go thru:
1 – Clicked on ‘Add work account’
2 - Of the 2 options (Scan QR code or Sign in) - I chose Sign in
3 - Typed my email when prompted
4 - Typed my password
5 - Got a screen saying 'Approve sign in request' which tells me to open my MS Authenticator App to approve it.
Well, I am already on the Authenticator app. So, there is nowhere to go from here.

There is an option: 'I can't use my MS Authenticator app right now’
6 - When clicking on this option, there are 3 alternatives:
A. Approve a request on my MS Authenticator app – I am already here, and I can't use it…
B. Use a verification code from my mobile app - This the same thing as the previous option. It asks for a code from the same MS Authenticator
C. Text to my mobile number - Which I cannot access (I am overseas with no mobile coverage)

Both options A and B under the title 'I can't use my MS Authenticator app right now’ wants you to use the Authenticator app. This is got to be a mistake (or a joke).
Option C needs a mobile network coverage to receive a text message, which I don't have and will not have for more than 1 month (I am overseas).

7 - After a few minutes at this screen, the app refreshes to "We didn't hear from you'
But this is a loop. It keeps referring back to the MS Authenticator app

So, basically I am stuck on the Authenticator app, which is required for me to access my work email and my Office 365 environment.

Does anyone know how I can get out of this loop and access my work account?
Thanks

Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator
A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP
    2021-09-10T23:29:23.057+00:00

    Some things to try
    the Sign in another way method described here.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/common-problems-with-two-step-verification-for-a-work-or-school-account-63acbb9b-16a1-47b9-8619-6a865e8071a5

    contact the 365 admin to turn off two factor

    try the Get Help app, eventually the bot will give up and hand of to someone you can chat with
    https://support.microsoft.com/contactus

    wait for cell coverage so you can accept the code.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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