Microsoft Teams Refused to Connect to Settings Endpoint (FIXED)
Signing in to an online account is often a one-step process where a user enters a username or email, and a password. Two-factor authentication may add a second step to the process but as far as an end-user is concerned, it remains simple. For the app/service that is signing a user in though, quite a bit of information is sent and received in order to verify the login information.
Failed to connect to settings endpoint (Microsoft Teams)
When you sign into Microsoft Teams, the sign-in process may appear to have been successful i.e., your login credential were accepted but the app doesn’t show you the home screen where you can access chats and team channels. Instead, you see an error message saying the app couldn’t connect to the internet, and to check the connection.
The error message is accompanied by the error code “online_check_failed. exceeded retry attempts” and “failed to connect to settings endpoint“. The error screen advises you to restart the Microsoft Teams app which you should but if that doesn’t fix the problem, try the fixes below.
1. Check for service outage
The “failed to connect to settings endpoint” error message doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong on the user’s end. Microsoft may be experiencing a problem with one of its services.
- Open your browser.
- Visit this link and check the status of Microsoft’s services.
- Click “Microsoft 365 admins click here to login”.
- Go over the Service Report and check if all services are and what advisories are available.
Note: If a service is down, it is up to Microsoft to fix it. All you can do is wait for a fix.
2. Check firewall settings
In order to sign a user in, Microsoft Teams connects with several different services. If some of these services are blocked by your firewall, the sign-in may succeed but you won’t see the home screen of the app.
- Open Windows Defender.
- Go to the Virus and threat protection tab.
- Click Manage Settings under Virus and threat protection settings.
- Turn all three switches off, and then sign in to Microsoft Teams.
Note: If you’re able to sign in with the firewall turned off, review the firewall settings and make sure all Microsoft services are allowed to communicate over it. Do not run a system without an active anti-virus app.
3. Update Microsoft Teams
It is possible that you’re running an outdated version of the Microsoft Teams app. Check for and update Microsoft Teams. To update Micrososft Teams when the app won’t open, follow these steps.
- Open the Settings app (Win+I) keyboard shortcut.
- Go to Apps>Apps & features.
- Select Microsoft Teams in the list of apps.
- Click Uninstall.
- Download the Microsoft Teams app.
- Run the installer, and sign in.
Check VPN settings
It is possible that your VPN is blocking you from signing in to Microsoft Teams. It can happen even if the VPN previously worked with the app.
Disable the VPN, and try signing into Microsoft Teams. If the sign in is successful, keep the VPN off or find one that works with Microsoft Teams.
If you’re not using a VPN, try using one to sign in. It’s possible that your ISP is blocking access to Microsoft’s services which can prevent you from signing in.
Conclusion
The “failed to connect to settings endpoint” message tells you that while the sign in was successful, the app couldn’t communicate with Microsoft’s services i.e., settings endpoints. Normally, this points to an access block either by an anti-virus or by a network setting. Checking all these and fixing them is easy enough. If the problem is on Microsoft’s side though, you’re stuck waiting for a fix.
