- Microsoft Authenticator showing a different location than the one you’re at is a sign of geolocation trouble.
- Ensure that all proxies and VPNs are disabled and that your device location is enabled.
- The problem could also lie with your internet or ISP, which may require you to contact them.
The Microsoft Authenticator App is an invaluable tool for helping you keep your Microsoft accounts and login details secure and allowing you to access things seamlessly. When it’s working, that is. Today, we’re going to be looking at a very specific error: the Microsoft Authenticator shows wrong location. If you aren’t where it says you are, then this is the article for you.
What Causes This Error?
There are a few reasons your Authenticator might be mistaking your location, most of which are related to geolocation. These include:
- A VPN or other proxy conceals your location
- The geolocation settings on your smart device or PC are turned off or not working
- Your current ISP is rerouting traffic through a different location
- The IP geolocation database you’re using is incorrect
Now you know the major causes, let’s look at the fixes.
What to Do When Microsoft Authenticator Shows Wrong Location
If Microsoft thinks you’re somewhere else, that may be affecting your ability to log in. We’ve got some fixes below that’ll hopefully help you out:
Do the Obvious First
While it might seem tedious, doing the routine preliminary fixes might save you a few headaches and a lot of time. Before trying the other fixes:
- Restart your Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Ensure the app and the device you’re using it on are fully updated.
- Ensure you’re connected to a network.
- Try using Authenticator on a different device.
Switch Your Internet
The problem could lie with the current network you’re using. A quick potential fix is to change your internet source if possible. Try a different Wi-Fi network or move to mobile data if using your smartphone.
If accessing through your phone, a different location can be the result of your service provider’s IP rerouting traffic through a different server, or their database being incorrect. If so, there’s no fix you can do except to contact them about the issue.
Enable Your Location
An Authenticator can only work if it can roughly confirm your location. If your smartphone or PC can’t do so, then you’re off to a bad start. Enable geolocation on your Authenticator device. For Windows, here’s how:
Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I) and head to “Privacy & Security.”
Step 2. Under “Location,” drag the “Location Services” slider to “On” and ensure that both the Authenticator app and browser can access your location by dragging their sliders to “On,” too, in the window below.
Disable the VPN and Proxy
VPNs are designed to keep the exact location of a user obscured from an ISP. If your Microsoft Authenticator is showing your location as a different country altogether, it might be the work of your VPN. Disable the VPN and try signing in through the Authenticator once again to see if the issue’s been resolved.
If using a manual proxy, you can disable it in Settings:
Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I) and select “Network & Internet.”
Step 2. Select “Proxy” and scroll down to “Manual Proxy Setup.”
Step 3. Ensure the slider next to “Use a proxy server” is toggled to “Off.”
Check Your Time Zone
Authenticator relies on your time zone, too, when factoring in your location. If it’s in the wrong zone, it might lead to trouble with the app. To check your zone:
Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to “Time & Language.”
Step 2. Under the “Date & Time” section, check your time zone.
Step 3. If it isn’t correct, select the right one from the dropdown list.
