MFA & Verification Issues

Fix Microsoft Authenticator Wrong Code Length & Transfer Issues

WPS Content Manager Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is encountering an issue where Microsoft Authenticator generates 8-digit codes instead of the expected 6-digit codes. Additionally, they need to safely transfer MFA accounts from an old iPhone to a new one without getting locked out.

How to Fix Microsoft Authenticator Generating Wrong Code Length or Transfer Issues

Product: Microsoft Authenticator
Device & OS: iPhone
Scenario: Attempting to verify an account sign-in and migrating the Authenticator app to a new mobile device.
Observed behavior: The Authenticator app displays incorrect code lengths (8 digits vs 6 digits) for sign-in, and alternative verification methods (email/SMS) are unavailable. The user is also struggling to transfer access to a new device.

Before you start

Ensure you still have access to your old iPhone with the working Authenticator app installed and connected to the internet. Do not delete the app from your old phone until the transfer is completely verified on the new device.

Solution 1Recommended

Safely Transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a New iPhone

Use the built-in backup and recovery feature to migrate your Authenticator app to a new iOS device without losing access.

Microsoft Authenticator provides a cloud backup feature that allows you to restore your account credentials onto a new device. Both devices must be signed into the same iCloud account for iOS transfers.

Enable Cloud Backup on the Old iPhone

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your old iPhone. Tap the menu icon, go to 'Settings', and toggle on 'iCloud Backup'. Wait for the backup process to complete.

Begin Recovery on the New iPhone

Install Microsoft Authenticator on your new iPhone. Open the app and, before adding any accounts, tap 'Begin Recovery' at the bottom of the screen.

Sign In to Restore Accounts

Sign in using the personal Microsoft account associated with your backup. Your saved accounts will automatically populate in the app.

Re-verify Accounts

Some accounts may require additional verification. Tap on the accounts that say 'Action Required' to re-authenticate them using your old phone as the secondary verification method.

Safely Transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a New iPhone

Do Not Delete the Old App: Keep the Authenticator app active on your old phone until you have successfully used the newly transferred app to sign into all of your accounts.

Solution 2

Address the 8-Digit Code Length Issue via Microsoft Q&A

Resolve backend account policy conflicts causing 8-digit codes by seeking specialized support from Microsoft engineers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Microsoft Authenticator showing 8 digits instead of 6?

This usually occurs if the account is configured for passwordless sign-in or specific enterprise authentication policies rather than a standard time-based one-time password (TOTP). You may need to select 'Use a different verification option' on the login screen if the service specifically requires a 6-digit code.

Can I transfer Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone without the old one?

If you previously enabled iCloud or cloud backup in the Authenticator app settings, you can recover your accounts on the new phone by selecting 'Begin Recovery'. If you did not enable backup and no longer have the old phone, you will need to use an alternate verification method (like SMS or email) or contact your IT administrator.

What should I do if SMS and email sign-in options are unavailable?

If you are completely locked out and lack fallback verification methods, you must submit an account recovery request through Microsoft's official account recovery form. For work or school accounts, you must contact your organization's IT department to request an MFA reset.

Login & Account Issues