how to reset microsoft authenticator for a user in entra id

TL;DR

Resetting means revoking the old Authenticator registration in Entra ID so the user can re-register on the new device. Do it from the user's Authentication methods blade, issue a Temporary Access Pass for the re-registration, and always verify the caller's identity before touching MFA.

The query

how to reset microsoft authenticator for a user in entra id

Use this when

• user replaced their phone and Authenticator approvals go nowhere
• Authenticator app corrupted or reinstalled
• old device lost and must be detached from the account

Not for

• user still has the old phone working (migrate it instead)
• skipping identity verification to save time
• bulk resets (script it through Graph instead)

Steps

1. Verify the caller's identity using your identity-proofing procedure before changing any MFA method. Expected output: identity confirmed and the ticket notes updated
2. In Entra admin center, open the user and go to Authentication methods. Expected output: the registered methods list is visible, including the old Authenticator registration
3. Delete the Microsoft Authenticator method. Expected output: the method disappears from the list
4. Issue a Temporary Access Pass with a short lifetime. Expected output: a TAP code is generated
5. The user signs in with the TAP and re-registers Authenticator by scanning the QR code. Expected output: the new registration appears in the methods list
6. Test a sign-in with the new registration and confirm the old device is gone. Expected output: only the new device can approve

Provenance

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pst_Np6DdQcFSS4Wmhe9jSr2UQ