Authentication loops swapping organisations in Azure DevOps

author Richard Fennell calendar Aug 13, 2019 · 2 min read · Tech Tips VSTS VSTS  ·
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I have recently been getting a problem swapping between different organisations in Azure DevOps. It happens when I swap between Black Mable ones and customer ones, where each is back by different Azure Active Directory (AAD) but I am using the same credentials; because I am either a member of that AAD or a guest.

The problem is I get into an authentication loop. It happens to be in Chrome, but you might find the same problem in other browsers.

It seems to be a recent issue, maybe related to MFA changes in AAD?

I used to be re-promoted for my ID when I swapped organisations in a browser tab, but not asked for further authentication

However, now the following happens

  • I login to an organisation without a problem e.g https://dev.azure.com/someorg using ID, password and MFA
  • In the same browser window, when I connect to another organisation e.g. https://dev.azure.com/someotherorg 
  • I am asked to pick an account, then there is the MFA challenge, but then go back to the login
  • …. and repeat.

The fix is to go in the browser tab to https://dev.azure.com. As you are already authenticated you will be able to sign out, then all is OK, you can login again.

The other options is to make even more use of Chrome People; one ‘person’ per customer, as opposed to my current usage on one ‘person’ per ID