MFA & Verification Issues

Fix Microsoft Authenticator Showing Eight-Digit Codes Instead of Six

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to configure Microsoft Authenticator to generate six-digit verification codes because the app is currently outputting incompatible eight-digit codes for a specific service.

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Showing Eight-Digit Codes

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for a website or service that strictly requires a six-digit verification code.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Authenticator displays an eight-digit verification code, which is rejected by services configured exclusively for six-digit codes.

Before you start

Ensure you have your account's backup recovery codes saved or a secondary authentication method active before removing and re-adding your account in the Authenticator app.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Manual Setup for Six-Digit Codes

By bypassing the QR code scan and manually entering the secret key as an 'Other' account, you can force the app to generate standard six-digit codes.

Microsoft Authenticator often defaults to eight-digit codes when scanning QR codes linked directly to Microsoft accounts or specific enterprise setups. Manually configuring the account using a text-based setup key will usually default the application to the standard TOTP protocol, generating the six-digit codes required by most third-party websites.

Access the manual setup option

On the website where you are setting up 2FA, look beneath the provided QR code and click the link labeled 'Cannot scan QR code' or 'Manual entry'.

Copy the secret key

The website will display a long alphanumeric secret key. Highlight and copy this text code to your clipboard.

Add account manually in Authenticator

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device, tap the '+' icon in the upper-right corner, and select 'Other (Google, Facebook, etc.)'.

Enter the details

Tap 'Enter code manually' at the bottom of the screen. Type in a recognizable account name, paste the copied secret key into the 'Secret key' field, and tap 'Finish' to start generating six-digit codes.

Code Length Verified: Your newly added account will now display a standard six-digit code rotating every 30 seconds, compatible with your service.

Solution 2

Re-add the Account with the Correct Type

If you initially set up the account as a 'Work or school' or 'Personal Microsoft account', it may enforce eight-digit codes. Re-adding it as a generic account resolves this.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Authenticator generate eight-digit codes?

Microsoft Authenticator uses eight-digit codes for its proprietary passwordless sign-in feature and enhanced security protocols on Microsoft personal, work, and school accounts. Standard accounts use the universally accepted six-digit format.

Is there a toggle to switch an existing account from eight to six digits?

No, you cannot change the code length of an already configured account within the app's settings. You must remove the existing account and set it up again manually, ensuring you select 'Other' as the account type.

What should I do if my phone camera cannot scan the setup QR code?

If your camera is broken or fails to scan the QR code, select the 'Cannot scan QR code' option provided by the service you are trying to secure. You will receive a text-based secret key that you can type or paste directly into the Authenticator app.

Login & Account Issues