How can I recover my lost password without the authenticator app

MatFalkenberg · May 26, 2025 at 5:13 PM

Hi,

I need to reset the password for my private microsoft account, but am unable to do so.

- If I try resetting my password, I am prompted to input a number from the authenticator app. However, I no longer have that app installed after switching to a new phone and cannot install it without logging in.
- I can receive a code via email to the address I have set up for recovery. However, I have two factor authentication set up, and when I am prompted for the phone number to send a code to, I am presented with a message that "this method of authentication is unavailable"

Essentially, I feel a little stuck here as it seems recovering my password requires me to login to my account which is a bit of a catch-22

Please assist...

:)

Eren_22

Hello,

Thank you for posting your question on our forum.

As per your query you are unable to recover your lost password without the authenticator application so in this case you have to go through the steps which are mentioned below:

1. Go to the Microsoft account recovery page: Recover your account

2. Enter your email address and follow the instructions to verify your identity.

3. When prompted for the authenticator app, select the option to receive a code via email for verification.

4. Check your recovery email address for the code and enter it on the verification page.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.

If the issue persists you can circle back to us.

Sincerely

Eren | Microsoft Community Moderator

BlakeAR

Hummm ok, I don't have an authentication app....and I don't want to turn off passwords for me email account. I'm just trying to figure out if I can sign into my Xbox account without having to use the password.

Smwutches

Go to https://account.live.com/Proofs/Manage and enable the authenticator app under 2-step verification. You can create an app password that is shorter and will allow
you to sign into your 360 without having to change your password.

WPAK

Hi there,

you will need to somehow try to recover the password (and email address). This support page will have all the steps available on how to try this:

support.xbox.com/.../lost-password-solution

If needed, it will also have a link on how to recover the email address.

kyle_m4496

Hi! My name is Kyle and I'm an independent advisor.

To protect customer privacy, Microsoft can only help customers verify their account ownership through the online password recovery process: https://account.live.com/acsr

Note that if you have 2-step verification set up through an email, phone number, or authenticator app, you cannot use this method to recover your account. In this case, without access to your account's security methods, it sadly won't be possible to recover the account. It's important to keep your account's security information up to date to avoid account loss.

If you remember any new details that might help with the recovery process, it's encouraged to keep trying to recover your account using the online account recovery form.

https://support.xbox.com/help/account-profile/manage-account/lost-password-solution

How can I recover my lost password without the authenticator app