MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Message Encryption Passcode Delays

Adam Davis Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user experiences significant delays when receiving one-time passcode emails for Microsoft 365 Message Encryption, along with login loop issues.

Fix Microsoft 365 Message Encryption One-Time Passcodes Delayed

Product: Microsoft 365 Message Encryption
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open encrypted messages using a one-time passcode.
Observed behavior: Passcode emails are delayed for hours, and the sign-in window repeatedly redirects back to the login page.

Before you start

Ensure your email client is connected to the internet and check your spam or junk folder to verify the passcode was not incorrectly filtered.

Solution 1Recommended

Wait and Avoid Requesting Multiple Codes

Resolve temporary service delays by waiting for the most recent code and avoiding rapid, repeated requests.

When Microsoft 365 experiences high server load or temporary email delivery issues, passcode delivery can be delayed. Repeatedly requesting new passcodes during a delay can cause earlier passcodes to become invalid, leading to login loops.

Stop requesting new codes

If the passcode does not arrive immediately, do not click 'Resend passcode' multiple times.

Wait for delivery

Allow up to 15-30 minutes for the delayed email to arrive during service slowdowns.

Use the newest code

If multiple codes eventually arrive, delete the older ones and only enter the passcode from the most recent email to avoid login loops.

Wait and Avoid Requesting Multiple Codes

Service Status: Most passcode delay issues resolve automatically once the temporary server delay is cleared.

Solution 2

Check Microsoft 365 Service Health

Verify if there is a known service outage affecting Exchange Online or Message Encryption.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience

While Microsoft 365 offers advanced encryption services, managing passcodes and accounts can sometimes cause delays. If you need a lightweight, reliable, and free alternative for creating and managing your everyday documents, try WPS Office. It provides familiar tools and exceptional compatibility without the complex login loops.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Built-in document encryption and password protection to secure your files locally.Free, lightweight, and fast to launch without complex online verification.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless migration from Microsoft 365.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Microsoft 365 encryption sign-in window keep looping?

A sign-in loop usually happens if you enter an expired one-time passcode. When you request multiple codes due to a delay, all older codes become invalid the moment a new one is generated. Ensure you are entering the passcode from the most recently received email.

How long should a Microsoft 365 Message Encryption passcode take to arrive?

Under normal circumstances, the passcode email arrives within a few seconds to a minute. If it takes longer, there may be a temporary email delivery delay on Microsoft's servers.

Can I open an encrypted message without a one-time passcode?

If you are signed into an authorized Microsoft 365 or Outlook account, you can often open the encrypted message automatically. The one-time passcode is primarily required for external users (like Yahoo or Gmail) or when automatic authentication fails.

What should I do if the passcode delays continue for days?

If passcodes are consistently delayed for an extended period, contact your IT administrator to check the Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard or open a support ticket with Microsoft, as there may be a routing issue affecting your tenant.

Login & Account Issues